By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Among uncertainties regarding the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks is whether he will be traded before Thursday’s deadline or if the process will extend into the offseason following the 2025-26 journey. Head coach Doc Rivers addressed the current situation surrounding the Freak during an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Countdown on Sunday.
“Giannis has said everything that we need to hear. That he wants to be a Buck, he loves the city. That’s all I can go by as a coach right now,” mentioned the 64-year-old tactician.
“Your players every day have to hear stuff. Every single day, about not just their best player, but they’re thrown in the mix as well,” he continued, referring to complications on the daily schedule of the Bucks.
“My favorite day of the year this year will be the day after the trade deadline,” explained Rivers. “That’ll be my favorite day. I think everyone will be here.”
With the Greek superstar sidelined due to a right calf strain, the Milwaukee Bucks participated in the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic and were forced to the wrong end of one-way traffic in the second half en route to a 107-79 loss to the Boston Celtics in TD Garden. The team coached by Rivers fell to 18-29 with a fifth straight loss in the Regular Season.
Besides Giannis, his brothers ranged from Alex staying with the G League affiliate Wisconsin Herd to Thanasis pulling down two rebounds in 2:32.
For the C’s, Portuguese Neemias Queta reached 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and one block over 30:45 as a starter. Coming off the bench, Bosnian Luka Garza registered three points and two rebounds in 13:02, with Spanish Hugo Gonzalez at five rebounds and two steals over 17:19, and British Amari Williams had one rebound over 4:05. Ukrainian Max Shulga was assigned to the Maine Celtics.