Giannis Antetokounmpo has done everything in his power to bring an NBA title to Milwaukee, both on and off the court.
Antetokounmpo helped the Bucks recruit free agents last summer after Malcolm Brogdon ended up in Indiana via sign-and-trade, even though he was deeply uncomfortable doing so.
“I love my teammates. … I’d die for them,” says The Greek Freak, adding that a championship would create a lifelong bond.
Per The Athletic:
“I don’t like doing that stuff,” Antetokounmpo said. “I don’t get an extra paycheck for doing [Bucks general manager Jon Horst’s] job or Coach [Mike Budenholzer’s] job or whoever’s job it is. … If you asked me one year ago, two years ago, I’d say, ‘Coach, just take care of it.’ ”
As he learned that Brogdon was joining the Pacers though, Antetokounmpo got involved.
“It comes to a point that I’m like, “OK. Malcolm’s about to leave,’ ” Antetokounmpo said. “And at the time, Wesley Matthews and Kyle Korver were the guys I felt like could help us win.”
Just like he was there for Brogdon last season, Antetokounmpo has supported Matthews and Korver this season.
“I can’t imagine the feeling that we’ll have if we win a championship together,” Antetokounmpo said. “This team is special. The atmosphere is amazing. If we win a championship, it is going to be amazing. It’s going to be a bond that is for life and that’s what I’m looking for. I love my teammates. … I’d die for them. That’s who I am and I hope they know that and I think they know that. This is the group that I want to do it with, and hopefully, we can get it done.”
