Milwaukee Bucks are eager to win the NBA Championship this season as they have a new coach at the helm. Milwaukee coach Adrian Griffin is keen to work with the players and says that he is looking forward to developing a great bond with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Earlier Antetokounmpo told to the New York Post that he wants to see Milwaukee’s urge to win the NBA Championship and based on that he will decide his future. He is currently holding off on plans to sign the contract extension with the franchise.
However, Griffin believes that there is a lot of mutual respect in place and feels that Antetokounmpo can lead the Bucks to greatness this season. “Giannis and I are on the same page,” Griffin said Monday during a golf event benefiting the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation. “We have a great relationship so far. He’s been pleasant to get to know. He wants to win, and I want to win. It’s that simple. I respect him. I respect what he’s accomplished in this league. We’re here together to win. I have no problem with that. I think it’s a great partnership. We’re going to lead the team together. When he leads, the others will follow. I think it’s great.”
Antetokounmpo’s current contract is till the end of the 2024-25 season. He has a player option for the 2025-26 season. Griffin updated that both Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are ready to start training from October 3 after the duo underwent knee surgeries in the off-season.
“That’s the plan,” Griffin said. “They’ve been working their butts off in the gym every day and just grinding. I think the most important thing is to just take it day by day. That’s what they’re doing. It’s been terrific.”
The Bucks lost out in the first round of the playoffs last season to the finalists Miami Heat. The Bucks finished top of the table in the regular season with a record of 58-24. Meanwhile, the Heat were eighth in the eastern conference. But still, Jimmy Butler’s men turned up at the right occasion and eliminated the Bucks.
The elimination saw Mike Budenholzer get fired and Griffin was appointed in his place. Therefore the upcoming season will be a water test for the Bucks, Griffin and also for Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak won the Bucks their first title in 50 years in 2021 but they have not progressed to the second round of the playoffs ever since.
“We’re aligned,” Griffin said. “We’re here to win. The one thing I talked to my team and our staff about is just embracing expectations. We have a really good roster. Instead of running from it, we want to embrace it.”
A big season awaits the Bucks and their new coach Griffin. Whereas Antetokounmpo will also look to prove his mettle once again that he is here to win. His future also depends on how the season goes ahead for the Bucks.
