Speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s pre-season match against the Lakers, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo felt compelled to chime in when his longtime teammate, Khris Middleton, was asked about being the third option behind Giannis and Lillard. The response was funny, for sure, but it also shed some light on the team’s approach to this season.
“Stop, stop right there. So, you know what? Who gives a f—? I’ve been here on the team 14 years, 12 years, 11 years, going to be 14 at the end of my contract,” said Giannis, speaking from Middleton’s perspective. “I’ve made a lot of f—— money. I won a chip for this team. At the end of the day, I’m going to get my 20, no matter what happens. They can do all the work, but I’m going to come in and do what I do. Take the ball down the stretch and score the ball. Next question.”
The Milwaukee Bucks are feeling pretty good in the aftermath of the Damian Lillard trade. As the league’s newest “big three,” the case can be made that Milwaukee is a legitimate superteam… although success for them is far from guaranteed. The key to making it all work will be total buy-in from the stars, and that includes 32-year-old Khris Middleton who was Giannis’ old sidekick before Lillard came to town. Adapting his game to fit another star will obviously be a big adjustment for Khris and while he has no problem taking a step back, the Greek Freak will demand more from him.
Middleton Is Embracing His New Role
While most stars might be put off by having to accept a lesser role, Middleton seems to be embracing this new challenge. After averaging 15 points per game last season, Khris will have to find his shots off the ball as Lillard and Giannis work to set up their teammates. Only time will tell how the trio plays together, but there is confidence they can make it work.
“Look, those guys, Dame and Giannis, get much of the credit, as they should,” said Khris. “They’re two of the best players that this league has ever had. So for me, it’s just coming in and trying to fit in and be a role player at times. Just change roles throughout the game, whatever is needed. Let those guys handle a lot of the heavy lifting, figure out ways I can help, space the defense, and make their job a little easier.”
This is the recipe for success in Milwaukee. If Khris can stay true to this selfless mindset and put the squad first, then his teammates should follow his lead, and it will make life easier for everyone.
The Bucks Are Favorites In The East
Giannis led his team to the best record in the East last season, but it still wasn’t enough to succeed when it counted the most. Going into this campaign, the Bucks have learned from their past mistakes and are ready to make amends for their prior shortcomings. With Lillard in tow and ready to dominate with Giannis, it’s going to be tough for any team to beat them at their best.
Over the next few weeks and months, all eyes will be on this team as fans try to understand just how good this new Bucks team can really be. But just as much as their success depends on Giannis and Lillard, it will also depend on the others, like Middleton and Brook Lopez, to fill in the gaps and step up to deliver what’s needed.
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