Translator's note: The original text was published in The Athletic, and the data in the article were as of the time of the original text (September 30 local time). The dates and times involved are local time

Milwaukee News - Before the start of the new NBA season, the Bucks' annual media day was full of excitement for new aid center Miles Turner, reflections on the decision to use extended clauses to sack nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, and some preliminary details about changes in the team's offensive and defensive system.

But after an offseason filled with rumors and speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo's possible role for another team, the team-leading scorer, who is about to usher in his 13th season in Milwaukee, has become the focus of nearly all discussion.

As Bucks general manager Jon Horst revealed, Antetokounmpo has not arrived in Milwaukee yet because he tested positive for the coronavirus and must stay in Greece until he gets a negative test. The two-time MVP was interviewed by reporters via video link.

Antetokounmpo described his disappointment in missing the start of training camp with a husky voice, but he made it clear that he believed the Bucks had a "good summer" and was very optimistic about the Bucks' chances this season.

"I really believe in this team," Antetokounmpo said, "I like that we're getting younger... we're full of energy. I think it's a tough guy team, and the players know their roles and try to adapt to their roles and try to help this team become great, so I'm excited."

"I always try to live in the moment," he later said, "I'm dealing with what's happening right now. Now, I think Milwaukee is a great team. It's a sleeping giant. A lot of people may not take us seriously, but I think we're a very, very dangerous team."

In the 19-minute conversation Antetokounmpo had with reporters, there was a lot of discussion around him being the most discussed NBA player in the offseason again. At the start of the NBA draft joint training camp in May, ESPN reporter Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo was open to whether his long-term best destination was still in Milwaukee.

When asked about that report and other similar reports during the offseason, Antetokounmpo confirmed that there was indeed some authenticity. However, he said his feelings this offseason are not much different from those he has felt throughout his career.

"I want to be in a team that gives me a chance to win championships and compete at a high level," Antetokounmpo said. "I don't think I want to compete at a high level, I hope your season ends in April, which is disrespect for basketball, the sport itself."

"It's basically the same," he said. "This is not the first time. I had the same idea last year. I had the same idea two years ago. I I had the same idea five years ago. It never changes. I want to be one of the top players. I want to compete with the strongest players, and I want to win another championship. That's it."

Antetokounmpo's expectations for the championship have always been a constant theme in his future discussions, most notably his hesitation before signing the 2020 super max contract early renewal and his acceptance of the New York Times reporter Tania in 2023 Ganguli's statement during the interview. The Bucks superstar never fears pressure on management to ensure the team is at the highest level of competition. And Bucks owner Wes Edens said that after talking to the Bucks star, he clearly felt Antetokounmpo's belief in the team's existing achievements and future potential.

"I had a great conversation with Giannis here in June, and he made it clear that he was very loyal to Milwaukee," Edens said. "He likes to stay here. He likes his family to stay here. He thinks the team — it's obvious that we've been in the playoffs over the past few years, but there are a lot of positives. It's clear that bringing in Miles Turner was a big decision for us. We won't cut and use extended clauses to deal with Damian Lillard without careful consideration."

When The Athletic asked Antetokounmpo what impressed him in that meeting with Edens in June, the nine-time All-Star said he didn't remember that specific conversation. He went on to describe why he believed the Bucks were capable of showing competitiveness in the East.

"I believe in the players they have around me. I believe in my teammates. I believe in the actions they did," Antetokounmpo said. "We are young. Hopefully we can reach a consensus and understand the challenges we face. We have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs over the past three years, so there is nothing to say."

In order to strive to go further in the playoffs this season, the Bucks made a major decision (using extended clauses to sack Lillard, the largest amount of similar operations in NBA history) to create the necessary cap space to sign Turner from the Pacers who have eliminated the Bucks in the past two years.

But while Turner will certainly help, it's clear that everything will again depend on what heights Antetokounmpo and his teammates can reach.

"This team was built to maximize Giannis' power, but Giannis can actually maximize the team's strength," Horst said. "As usual, there are a lot of players who will benefit from playing with him, playing style and what coach (Doug Rivers) said to be devoted. But we understand that nothing is at your fingertips.. I think it's a team that is very eager to win everything we crave through hard work and they want to deserve the victory. ”

" That would be our style of playing together. This will be centered on Giannis, the best player in the world, and equipped with a group of players who are very, very suitable for him. ”

Author: Eric Nehm

Translator: GWayNe