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Jamal CollierESPN
MILWAUKEE – For Bucks star Giannis AntetokounmpoThe debate over who is the best player in the NBA has a simple answer.
He doesn’t consider hisself the best player in the league, as his team didn’t win the championship last season. He was willing to give up that title. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry instead.
Antetokounmpo stated Sunday at Bucks’ media day that “I believe the best player is the one who is the last man standing.” It’s the one who takes his team to the Finals and wins the game. That’s what I see it. Steph Curry is the best player in the game.
Antetokounmpo, the No.1 player in ESPN’s NBArank, admitted that he was one of the best players the league and could have been the contender for the top spot after his team won the 2021 NBA Finals. After Milwaukee’s loss in the second round, Antetokounmpo lost seven games against the Bucks. Boston CelticsHe did not fulfill the claim.
Antetokounmpo was also third in the voting to be the NBA MVP. He averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 rebound and 5.8 assists last year, but he noted that individual awards were insignificant in comparison with the excitement of winning the NBA Finals.
He stated, “The feeling it gave me, it was a pleasant feeling.” “Seeing Golden State in the parade and at the ESPYs made me jealous. It’s all familiar. You are aware of what is being taken from you.
Antetokounmpo, who is at the center of the Bucks team, believes they can win the NBA championship once again. They brought back almost all of their roster from last season. Sixteen out of 20 players from training camp were back on the roster last season. Jordan NworaHis agents informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that he signed a $6.2 million, two-year deal to remain with the Bucks.
Bucks coach: “It is really difficult to keep a great team together.” Mike Budenholzer said. When you are winning at a high level, teams will want your players. If you have been around the NBA long enough, they will come to your team and take your players. We are so excited to see a great team and be able to continue it together. It’s because we believe it.
The Bucks’ roster will not be fully healthy for the start of the season as a few of their wing players recover from injuries.
Forward Khris Middleton He admitted that he will not be available to play in the season opening against the Reds on Oct. 20. Philadelphia 76ers As he continues to recover from the left wrist surgery in July.
Middleton had the cast from his left hand removed two weeks ago. He wanted to be able to return his range of motion quickly before returning to basketball. He stated that he started feeling discomfort in his wrist after the All-Star break. But, he persevered until the MCL sprain ended his season in the first round.
Middleton stated that he hoped it would be closer to the beginning of the season. “I know it won’t be that week but it will happen soon after.”
Milwaukee added one major player to its roster: signing forward Joe InglesIn free agency, he is currently recovering from a torn ACL. Ingles ruptured the ACL in his left leg at the end January, and required surgery in February.
Jon Horst, Bucks general manager, said that January is a realistic time frame for his possible return.
Horst stated, “It’s fun to say that your team returned,” “But I also think Joe is a huge deal for us. It doesn’t matter if we are right or wrong. That’s how this business works. This has a significant impact on our team.”