Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo comments on his upcoming contract extension

“At the end of the day, before loyalty, winning comes first.”
Jonas Panerio|
© Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is keen on leaving a legacy of victories and championships, not just highlight reels and individual accolades. The 28-year-old two-time MVP spoke to Marc Speaks of Andscape and discussed his much-ballyhooed contract extension, and he made it clear that winning is what will be at the front of his mind when reviewing any offers.

Giannis wants to be like TD and Kobe

Giannis is looking to assemble a career like those of Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant, two players who were synonymous with their respective franchises for many years. Duncan played 19 seasons for the San Antonio Spurs, while Bryant suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 seasons.

However, he doesn’t want to stay in Milwaukee and not win more championships. Giannis emphasized that winning always comes first.

“I always envisioned myself to be in Milwaukee for a long time," Giannis said to Marc J. Spears of Andscape.

“And I always say that I want to play 20 years. I want to be like Tim Duncan, like Kobe, all those guys that played with one team for a lot of years and won the championship. But at the end of the day, before loyalty, winning comes first. We are judged on winning. I'm a winner. I want to win.”

Want the best possible team

Giannis clarified that discussing his extension doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll bolt the franchise that took him 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. It just means that he wants to have the best possible team to have the best chance to win multiple NBA championships.

“But when your extension comes around, it's like, 'Oh, he might leave.' No, no, no. It's not the case. I want the best possible team. I want to wake up every single day when I come to work and know that I have a chance to win," Giannis said.

"And I want the organization to be on the same page and not to be comfortable because we won one [title]. So, what we going to wait 15 more years to win another one? No, no, no way. We have to bring it every single day. I try to bring it every day as much as I can. And I expect the same approach from people next to me.”

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO