The Milwaukee Bucks tipped off their season with out their largest star on media day. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who examined constructive for COVID, remained in Greece and joined the session remotely by way of Zoom.
“I’m simply ready for a damaging take a look at, so I can depart my home and get on a aircraft and journey,” Antetokounmpo mentioned. “I don’t need to put anyone in danger. I’m positively disenchanted — bummed out that I’m not in a position to be there with the workforce and get this ball rolling. As a pacesetter, I don’t be ok with this, however on the finish of the day, that is life.”
Bucks basic supervisor Jon Horst confirmed Antetokounmpo is anticipated to be away “for a bit” as coaching camp begins. The 30-year-old two-time MVP will return to a workforce that appears very completely different from current seasons.
Milwaukee waived Damian Lillard this summer season following his Achilles damage, then made a shock splash by signing middle Myles Turner away from Indiana. Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton additionally moved on, whereas Kyle Kuzma, Cole Anthony and Gary Harris are among the many new faces.
“This workforce is constructed to maximise Giannis, but additionally Giannis can maximize this workforce,” Horst mentioned.
Regardless of the overhaul, Antetokounmpo mentioned he’s optimistic.
“I imagine in my teammates — that’s just about it,” he mentioned. “I imagine within the folks which can be round me. I imagine in my teammates. I imagine within the strikes that they make. We’re younger. , hopefully we are able to get on the identical web page and perceive what’s in danger proper now.”
The Bucks have been knocked out within the first spherical three years working, one thing Antetokounmpo doesn’t need repeated.
“We’ve simply obtained to place our butts down, put our heads down and keep locked in the entire 12 months lengthy and attempt to win some video games and hopefully get into the playoffs, after which don’t get eradicated within the first spherical. That’s just about it, after which we go from there.”
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