Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed the media Thursday, talking candidly about his latest calf harm and ongoing commerce hypothesis.
“I really feel good. I’ve been working. I’ve been working. I simply can’t wait… to get again on the market and play basketball,” he mentioned relating to his anticipated four-week restoration from a proper soleus pressure sustained on December 3.
Reflecting on the harm, Antetokounmpo defined, “I really feel like after the groin harm, I used to be within the mindset that I used to be getting again too quickly… as a substitute of taking the suitable time, I type of rushed issues, which that’s what I’ve accomplished my complete profession.” He emphasised the necessity to handle his physique rigorously shifting ahead, noting, “I simply bought to be good… I can not cheat the time timeline anymore.”
The 2-time MVP additionally addressed studies linking him to potential trades. “I personally haven’t had the dialog with the Bucks. I’m nonetheless locked in… on my teammates and the way can I assist them from the sideline or encourage them,” he mentioned. On rumors about his agent’s conversations with different groups, he added, “My agent works for me… there’s going to be conversations… we are able to’t management. On the finish of the day, I’m targeted on basketball.”
Antetokounmpo acknowledged the toll that media hypothesis can take however insisted it doesn’t have an effect on his work or relationships inside the workforce. “It doesn’t have an effect on my relationship with my teammates… with my coach… with the GM. It doesn’t actually hassle me as a result of they know what I’m about,” he mentioned.
Regardless of the Bucks’ struggles this season, Giannis expressed confidence in his teammates’ character and dedication. “There’s nothing that’s irritating me about this workforce… we have now excessive character guys. The one half that is perhaps irritating is that we’re dropping. I don’t like dropping,” he mentioned. He emphasised the significance of workforce unity, urging gamers to help each other by means of adversity: “When anyone falls on the ground, go decide him up. When anyone misses a shot, encourage him… all these little issues add up.”
Antetokounmpo additionally mentioned his management position whereas sidelined. “Having conversations with Myles [Turner], with Bobby [Portis], [Kyle Kuzma] encouraging them… exhibiting up, being there, feeling my presence after I’m at follow or on the sport within the locker room,” he mentioned. He careworn that basketball preparation and workforce focus stay his high priorities.
Whereas commerce chatter persists, Milwaukee’s stance has not wavered. Sources verify the Bucks should not planning to maneuver Antetokounmpo and proceed to construct round him, with offseason strikes together with the acquisition of Myles Turner and a waiving of Damian Lillard signaling long-term dedication.
Giannis stays targeted on restoration and serving to Milwaukee climb out of its present 11-16 report. “I simply wish to play basketball,” he mentioned. “Rumors gained’t assist us win the sport… we simply bought to deal with basketball.”
