Giannis Antetokounmpo said in a recent interview that he will not be extending his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks unless they are on the same page. His words during an interview with the New York Times however have got a series of attention from the NBA family, including Ex NBA stars like Gilbert Arenas.
Gianni’s response in the recent interview has however drawn a comparison with Kobe Bryant who was involved in a similar situation during his career days. Gilbert Arenas linking Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent response about contract extension has got everyone looking out for what happens next.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract talks with Bucks hinge on championship pledge
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract talks with Bucks hinge on championship pledge, when he said in an with New York Times that “he’s not signing an extension in Milwaukee next summer if everyone isn’t on the same page.” He even went further to say “I would not be the best version of myself if I don’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do. And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.” @TheDunkCentral.
Giannis who won the 2021 NBA championship, could not repeat the same feat last season. The season ended in chaos for the Milwaukee Bucks when they lost to the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA playoffs. He has however made winning the championship his only option to continue trading with the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo has won several individual awards including the NBA MVP.
Giannis is a seasoned winner and also has a champion’s mentality. However, for him to sign contract extension papers. His Bucks team must have the same mentality as his, hence, he wants them to be on the same page. To him, it’s all about winning the championship again.
Gilbert Arenas hails Antetokounmpo’s Kobe Bryant like approach
Gilbert Arenas who retired early from Basketball played his last game in the NBA in 2012 as a point guard. He however had stints with the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, and others. Arenas later turned into a sports media personality with his own podcast “The No Chill Podcast” in 2018. Since then his presence can’t be ignored in the media. He however has made a remarkable contribution to the recent statement made by Giannis concerning his contract extension.
@GilsArenaShow he said “Giannis is doing what Kobe did” sending a reminder of how Bryant’s situation in 2007. The Lakers star demands a trade to help the Lakers add more talent. The team is cleaning house, and Bryant wants to ensure it adds pieces to remain at a level where they can contend for the championship.
Giannis is doing what Kobe did 🤷🏾♂️🔥
The Bucks better figure it out with Giannis 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/7W74UqAIkE
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) August 29, 2023
Arenas continued saying “Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to be the dude that is sitting, and the team says we are going to rebuild and get rid of these guys,” Arenas said. “We rebuild, and he is sitting there and they are selling out every seat because of him. He is using his leverage.” The NBA community would be expecting Giannis to extend his contract following this comparison by Gilbert Arenas.
What do you think about this shocking comparison? Leave us with a message in the comment section.