After that game, Antetokounmpo’s comments defending Bam Adebayo and his 83-point outing a couple of nights earlier garnered early headlines. But Antetokounmpo’s comments about the Miami Heat also drew attention. This is what he said, via Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
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“They’re going to play hard and they’re not going to stop playing. That’s the culture of the Miami Heat. It’s tough. For me personally, I don’t know how the team feels, but for me personally, it’s a tough season… I’m just trying to take it game by game. I’m grateful, happy to be here competing. But at the same time, it’s in my nature to win games…
“Miami’s head coach (Erik Spoelstra) is going to keep playing, man. Even when they don’t make shots, you’re going to get second chances. They’re going to crash the backboard, they’re going to get rebounds, they’re going to find the open man, they’re going to try to get to the free throw line, they’re going to keep moving the ball, they’re going to get the ball to Bam (Adebayo) and try to execute from there. They’re going to play hard. They have guards that can penetrate, drive and kick. and that’s what they do, man.”
Antetokounmpo has been frustrated this season; Whether that’s enough to get him to leave the only team he’s played for in the NBA (the only city he’s called home since leaving Greece) is another question. Whatever moves the Bucks front office may make this offseason, they may well have a lot to say about it.
This offseason, the Bucks and Antetokounmpo will have an honest conversation, which will include a maximum contract extension offer. How you respond to that will set the course for what comes next. While many people will read his previous comments (and look at his actions over the past year) and think they know the answer, nothing is set in stone until he actually turns down the money Milwaukee puts on the table, something he’s never done before.
That said, many teams are preparing their offers to the Bucks this offseason.