The Milwaukee Bucks traded franchise legend Giannis Antetokounmpo to kick off their rebuild this summer. He spent the first 13 years of his NBA career in Milwaukee, putting the franchise back on the map and leading it to the 2021 championship.
Now, Antetokounmpo moves to the Miami Heat in unfamiliar territory, and the superstar opened up about this opportunity.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Explains His Mindset About Moving to Miami
Antetokounmpo’s Bucks jersey will undoubtedly hang in the rafters after he retires. The 31-year-old averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks in Milwaukee.
He rose to stardom in the 2016-17 campaign and has made 10 straight All-Star appearances since. Antetokounmpo wants to carry his Bucks success to the Heat, but he is still adjusting to his new teammates, coaches, and environment.
Antetokounmpo recently appeared on Anestis Evangelopoulos’ show, “AnesTea the Podcast.” He spoke in Greek about his mindset regarding this life-changing trade.
“I was thinking that I would be in Milwaukee for my entire career, but then I saw that I’m in my comfort zone … I wanted something different. I’m happy to be in Miami. In Miami now, I won’t lie, I don’t feel comfortable. I don’t know the team, but I’m going over there, and I will do my best,” said Antetokounmpo.
However, Antetokounmpo does, in fact, know one of his teammates. This would be former Bucks fan-favorite Bobby Portis, whom the Heat acquired in the same deal.
Portis spent six seasons in Milwaukee after he signed there as a free agent before the 2020-21 campaign. He played a pivotal role off the bench as the backup power forward behind Antetokounmpo, and his infectious energy constantly lifted Fiserv Forum Fans’ spirits. Portis will bring the same energy, aggression, and positivity to Miami.
Even though Antetokounmpo is not used to his new teammates, one thing is certain. He and Bam Adebayo will arguably form the best defensive frontcourt in the league.
Antetokounmpo took home the 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year award and has four All-Defense First Team selections.
Adebayo has earned six All-Defensive Team honors and has finished in the top five in Defensive Player of the Year voting five times in his nine-year career. Both stars can guard positions one through five and serve as top-tier rim protectors.
Antetokounmpo talked about how his time with the Bucks helped shape the man he is today. “I love the city of Milwaukee. I will love Milwaukee until I die. I bleed purple and green. It’s very simple. They made me who I am today,” said the superstar.
Antetokounmpo worked extremely hard to lead the Bucks to a championship in 2021. Heat fans can expect him to bring that same tenacity, energy, and hard work to Miami next season.
