For the first time in a decade, Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t participating in the NBA playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks franchise player has reached a turning point in his career, as he figures out where he’ll finish his prime years.
The Bucks decided to go in a new direction after missing this year’s playoffs, and one of the team’s longest tenured players, Bobby Portis, gave some insight into the future.
Bobby Portis Urges Bucks To Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo
Portis discussed his new Head Coach, Taylor Jenkins, on the “Run It Back Podcast,” and is unsure of what Jenkins’ hire could mean for Antetokounmpo.
Portis said, “You know, especially with Giannis being the best player in franchise history, how much he’s given to the city, MVPs, championships, giving his heart and soul to the team. I think it’ll be real good if the Bucks can get him to stay in Milwaukee.”
Bobby Portis hopes Taylor Jenkins keeps Giannis on the Bucks 🙏
But, he admits the team group chat wasn’t on fire after the hire 😅
“It’s dead right now…a lot of players with options. We don’t know the outlook.”@BPortistime | @MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/8rICvzZRgw
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 24, 2026
The Bucks continued their rapid decline from an elite team, finishing the season 32-50. NBA championship head coach Doc Rivers decided to step down in the aftermath.
Rivers obviously planned on coaching a yearly title contender. However, the Bucks could be headed for a rebuild depending on what happens with Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks are reportedly hiring former Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins to steer the ship in a new direction. Jenkins has prior experience coaching Antetokounmpo, as he was previously an assistant coach in the organization.
As Portis alluded to, there are serious questions regarding whether Jenkins will have the opportunity to coach Antetokounmpo moving forward.
While Antetokounmpo is under contract next season, his relationship with the organization may have been strained beyond repair at the end of the season. He was determined to get back on the floor before the end of the season, despite suffering a knee injury.
With the Bucks already eliminated from the playoffs, the organization preferred that he sit out the remainder of the season. The decision angered Antetokounmpo and caused the Players Association to make a statement.
Antetokounmpo reportedly hoped to get moved at the trade deadline and could issue a similar request this summer. If the Bucks opt to keep Antetokounmpo, it’s clear that Jenkins and the organization have to upgrade the talent around him.
Portis seeks, unaware of what the future holds, but unsurprisingly would like to chase a playoff spot alongside Antetokounmpo next season.
