Giannis Antetokounmpo was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. The Milwaukee Bucks` eventful offseason concluded with an unexpected turn on Monday, just before the start of the 2025-26 campaign`s official practices. Instead of his usual in-person appearance at Fiserv Forum for media day, the two-time MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, participated remotely from Greece, observing quarantine protocols until medically cleared to travel.
After a brief stabilization period for the connection between Athens and Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo`s dimly lit image appeared on the interview room`s main screen. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Antetokounmpo appeared prepared to engage and make the most of the situation.
Antetokounmpo intends to apply the same resolve on the court this season, leading a Bucks squad he considers “very, very dangerous.” This confidence comes despite the team possessing less star power and individual talent than any roster since his rookie years. Currently, Antetokounmpo is the sole All-Star on the team.
Key figures from the 2021 championship team – Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez – have departed. Damian Lillard also left after a brief, underwhelming stint in Milwaukee. This summer, the Bucks waived Lillard, who is sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, and opted to stretch his remaining $113 million contract over the next five years.
While employing the stretch provision for Lillard`s contract will result in $22 million in dead cap money annually for the Bucks over the next half-decade, it simultaneously freed up crucial cap space this summer. This enabled them to acquire Myles Turner from their Central Division adversaries, the Indiana Pacers.
The Bucks` front office was prepared to undertake such an audacious roster overhaul largely due to Antetokounmpo`s sustained dedication to the franchise. Bucks governor Wes Edens recounted a productive conversation with Giannis in June, where Antetokounmpo “made it clear that he was very committed to Milwaukee.” Edens added, “He likes being here, he likes his family being here… Although we`ve experienced some playoff setbacks in recent years, there are many positives.”
Edens further explained, “To truly maximize our window with Giannis, we recognized the need for a substantial move, and that`s precisely what we executed.” He concluded, “We are enthusiastic about these choices. While these decisions are challenging, they are all driven by our goal to contend for a championship.”
Antetokounmpo, however, stated he couldn`t recall a specific meeting with Edens but expressed satisfaction with the Bucks` offseason acquisitions. “We had an excellent summer and brought in some valuable assets. Myles Turner, without a doubt, will be crucial for us,” Antetokounmpo commented. “I genuinely have faith in this team. I appreciate our newfound youth and energy. I believe this squad is packed with relentless competitors.”
The current Bucks roster boasts increased youth and athleticism compared to previous seasons. Their strategy involves accelerating the game`s tempo, increasing three-point attempts, and intensifying their defensive pressure. Provided Antetokounmpo stays healthy, the team is poised to perform well, particularly within a diminished Eastern Conference where the past two champions will largely miss their star players for much, if not all, of the upcoming season.
The pertinent question, however, remains: can Antetokounmpo, Turner, and a roster of “relentless competitors” realistically contend for a championship? Many observers find this prospect unlikely.
For several years, Antetokounmpo has consistently stated his desire to play only for a team with genuine championship aspirations, fueling numerous trade rumors throughout the summer. As recently as August, Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo`s future with the Bucks was far from “set in stone.”
During Monday`s media session, Antetokounmpo conceded that there was indeed validity to the summer`s intense speculation regarding his status. “Every summer, there`s some truth to every report,” Antetokounmpo declared. He reiterated his career-long stance: “I want to be part of a team that empowers me and provides a real opportunity to win a championship, a team that aims to compete at the highest level. I believe it`s a disservice to basketball, to the sport, not to strive for top-tier competition, or to be content with your season concluding in April. My perspective remains largely unchanged.”
“These are the same sentiments I held last year, two years ago, and even five years ago,” he asserted. “It`s a principle that will never change. My ambition is to be among the elite, to compete against the best, and to secure another championship. That`s my ultimate goal.”
Antetokounmpo`s contract with the Bucks extends until the 2026-27 season, with a player option for 2027-28. Presently, he maintains confidence in his ability to win a title in Milwaukee, even if some might view that optimism as misguided. The lingering question for the entire league, and one that will persist, is how long this conviction will last.
Antetokounmpo`s statements on Monday, delivered from thousands of miles across an ocean, did little to alleviate anxieties surrounding his long-term commitment to Milwaukee. Nevertheless, he vowed that as long as he remains a Buck, he will dedicate his full effort to the team and the city.
“My confidence is currently at an unprecedented level,” Antetokounmpo stated. “I feel incredibly positive about myself and the team, and I`m eager to be there. I truly believe in this squad.”
