Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo is aware of team’s potential for greatness but cautious

“It’s not going to be quick.”
Jonas Panerio|
© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo knows how potent this current iteration of his team can be, especially after adding seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard to the mix. However, the two-time MVP cautions that success will not come overnight in Milwaukee.

“We’re a very talented team, but I know the potential of this team and I want to see that come to fruition. And it’s not going to be quick,” Antetokounmpo said. “It might take 10 games, 20 games, 40 games, it might take 82 games. But I believe with the mentality that we have, that we are here to get better, we’re here to help one another be good. I think it’s going to come.”

New coach, new players

Aside acquiring Lillard and new faces like Cam Payne and Malik Beasley, the Bucks also replaced longtime head coach Mike Budenholzer with first-time NBA head coach Adrian Griffin. Veteran wingman Khris Middleton explained that the team is also adjusting to new concepts that Griffin is implementing this season.

“I mean, I think a lot of it right now is new coach. So new coach, new system and then you have a guy like Dame you add into your team. That’s a player we’ve never played with – at least I never played with before,” Middleton said.

“So getting him incorporated into the offense and the team is going to be an adjustment period because, you know, he’s one of the best scorers in this game. Like I said, I’ve never played with a guy like that from the point guard position, so it’s going to take some time to adjust. But I think we’re talking through it. Communication is the biggest part with it all, so I think we’re doing fine.”

Dame is here to win

As Giannis and the Bucks adjust to accommodate Lillard, the “Greek Freak” is comfortable with where the team is at. He’s gotten to know #0 after spending several weeks with him now and is confident that the team will eventually be successful with him in it.

“It might take some time, but at the end of the day, like, I know what Dame is bringing on the table, and he’s here to win,” Antetokounmpo said. “He’s here to play hard. He’s here to lead us and I know what coach is bringing on the table. Like he’s been amazing so far. Allows us to be us, allows us to play hard, he believes in us, he trusts us. And so it’s been good. Like both are bringing 100 percent, giving 100 percent to the team. But it’s going to take a while.”

The Milwaukee Bucks are Dame’s team, says Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO