"I'm not a player who screams or insults but...": Giannis Antetokounmpo's Rant to His Bucks Teammates
Greek seems to be continuing to maneuver his possible departure from the Bucks before the trade deadline without actually forcing it.
Giannis Antetokounmpo pointed out chemistry issues as one of the factors influencing the recent heavy losses of the Milwaukee Bucks. The team fell 122-102 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, a rival that also faced the game with several players out due to injury. With that result, the Bucks have lost four of their last five games, and their three most recent defeats were decided by at least 18 points. NBA rumors about his departure continue to swirl, especially after the Greek's remarks. The trade deadline is on February 5.
After the game, Antetokounmpo was asked if he found common patterns in those lopsided defeats and did not hesitate to self-criticize.
“We're not playing hard. We're not doing the right things. We're not playing to win. We're not playing together. Our chemistry is not there. Players are being selfish, looking for their shots instead of seeking the right shot for the team. Players trying to do it all on their own,” he explained.
The Greek added that the team is not handling difficult moments during the games well. “Sometimes I feel that when we're down by 10, 15, or 20 points, we try to make it all up in one play, and that's not going to work,” he stated.
The sports situation of Milwaukee is becoming worrisome. Midseason, the Bucks have a record of 18-25 and are in the eleventh position in the Eastern Conference, putting their streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances at risk. They have also failed to string together more than two consecutive wins so far this season.
This situation is compounded by the absence of Kevin Porter Jr., the team's second-leading scorer with 16.8 points per game and leader in assists with 7.4. The guard is sidelined with an oblique injury, and there is no clear timeline for his return. “He's not going to play in the short term, that's for sure, but we don't know how long he'll be out,” explained coach Doc Rivers.
Antetokounmpo also addressed his own role within the team and the need to have more presence with the ball. In his last four games, he has attempted 13 field goals or fewer, including just 11 against Oklahoma City.
“I'm not the type of player to shout or insult a teammate to demand the ball. I've never done that in my career,” he assured. “But I feel like I've played with teammates who understand the impact I can bring to the team, how I can create for others and myself, and how I can help the team be more successful.”
The Bucks' Poor Form
The two-time MVP acknowledged that he doesn't quite grasp why that dynamic is not happening now. “Maybe because we're young, maybe because we're not playing well, maybe because some think it's their turn and want to carry the team to change the situation, but I don't understand it. I really don't get it,” he added.
Lastly, Antetokounmpo revealed a recent reflection on the need to change his attitude on the court. “I was told about the white swan and the black swan, that you have to be the black swan, be more aggressive and demand the ball. It's something I've never done in my entire career. Maybe I have to do it more,” he concluded.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "No soy un jugador que grita o insulta pero...": Rajadón de Giannis Antetokounmpo a sus compañeros de los Bucks
