Giannis Antetokounmpo has always preached loyalty. In an age where so many stars are jumping ship when the going gets tough, Giannis has no plans to leave Milwaukee without first helping them earn an NBA title… or does he?
According to what ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is hearing, the Greek Freak could consider leaving the Bucks if they don’t reach the NBA Finals this summer.
“I’m told if he doesn’t get to the Finals, he’s leaving. I don’t know if that’s true or not.”
-Stephen A Smith on Giannis Antetokounmpo
(h/t @HowardBeck #ssac2020) pic.twitter.com/etOzKsRLyK
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 6, 2020
Cleary, Antetokounmpo holds winning in very high esteem. At 25-years-old, he has yet to make an NBA Finals appearance. This season, he hopes to end that streak.
With a regular-season record of 53-9 (NBA-best), they certainly looked poised to make a long and successful playoff run. But they won’t be the only ones competing for the crown. In the East, Toronto, Philly, Miami, and Boston will be there to challenge the Bucks. And though Milwaukee would be highly favored in any potential matchup, there’s always the chance for an upset.
Plus, Milwaukee let Malcolm Brogdon walk in the summer, a mistake that will be magnified in April, May, and June.
Needless to say, the Bucks must overcome all of these obstacles if they want to remain secure about their chances of keeping Giannis. But, as always, it will prove to be much easier said than done.
