The Milwaukee Bucks are in big trouble. Their superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear that he will leave Milwaukee if the team does not work towards winning another championship.
“I am a Milwaukee Buck, but most importantly, I am a winner.” said the Greek Freak on his dicey future with the Bucks.
Following Giannis’ shocking comments, analysts are trying to find a way Milwaukee can secure their franchise leader for the long haul.
Veteran NBA Analyst Ramona Shelburne showed the Bucks a strategy to keep their superstar in Milwaukee, reminding them of The Golden State Warriors’ way of handling Stephen Curry’s career.
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In the latest episode of the Lowe Post Podcast hosted by Zach Lowe, Ramona showed Milwaukee a way to keep the 2-time MVP in their team. Talking about the aging core roster of the Bucks, she advised them to follow what the Warriors did when their superstars Stephen Curry, Klay Thomspon, and Draymond Green reached the later stages of their careers. She compared Giannis to Steph, calling them “Superstars way too good to trade”. After the 2019 finals loss, it seemed like Stephen Curry would look for another destination because his team was no longer a championship contender due to injuries.
“They got good again real fast.” The veteran analyst said. The Warriors handled the situation beautifully as they brought in more help for the 4-time Champion, and when the team got healthy, they got back to the top of the mountain in 2022. “They have doubled down on the guys who seem to give Steph a chance to win. Youth and rebuilding plan be damned.” Ramona added. Warriors have decided to go All-in on their superstar trio as long as they are healthy and competing. That has kept Stephen Curry happy in Golden State.
Despite Ramona’s strategy to treat Giannis like Steph, Zach Lowe believes that the Golden State Warriors situation is one of a kind, “The Warriors are an anomaly.” The Warriors were lucky to draft three future superstars around the same time. But that is not what generally happens.
“Dirk is the norm.” Lowe believes if Giannis stays in Milwaukee throughout his career, his situation will more likely be like Dallas legend Dirk Nowitzki rather than Stephen Curry. Dirk won only one title in Dallas in 2011 and then rode off into the sunset after several losing seasons. The same happened with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. His final years with the Lakers were very disappointing. “This is generally what happens to great teams.” Lowe concluded.
Milwaukee does not have many assets to upgrade its roster. The clock is ticking, and they need to act fast. If Giannis and Co. have another disappointing season this year, the 2-time MVP will most likely find a “better situation” to succeed.