Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is using his disappointment from this year’s playoffs as motivation for next season. Antetokounmpo recently posted a photo of himself on social media with the message “I’m tired of the disrespect. I’m coming.”
Although he is considered one of the best players in the league at just 28 years old, the two-time MVP did not make either of the NBA’s All-Defensive teams, despite teammates Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez receiving first-team honors. This individual snub is likely fueling his fire heading into the next season.
Furthermore, Milwaukee’s season ended on a sour note, with the team finishing the regular season with the league’s best record of 58-24, only to lose in the first round of the playoffs to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in five games. Antetokounmpo suffered a back injury during the series, and the team was unable to overcome Jimmy Butler’s incredible performances.
I’m tired of the disrespect. I’m coming. pic.twitter.com/eMRPb6kbLJ
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 9, 2023
The Bucks have already taken steps to address their disappointing season, firing head coach Mike Budenholzer on Thursday. Additionally, Milwaukee is entering an offseason where key players like Lopez and Khris Middleton will have contract decisions to make.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the team, the Bucks can take solace in knowing that they have Antetokounmpo under contract through the 2024-25 season. And with the “disrespect” fueling him, the Greek Freak will undoubtedly be motivated to lead his team to a successful campaign in the upcoming season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks out about Mike Budenholzer’s firing: “Thank you for five meaningful years Coach
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has broken his silence about the team’s decision to fire head coach Mike Budenholzer. The Bucks’ early exit from the NBA playoffs, losing to the Miami Heat in the first round despite having the best record in the league, led to Budenholzer’s dismissal.
Antetokounmpo took to Twitter on Monday to share a photo of him embracing Budenholzer after the team’s championship win in 2021, thanking him for “five meaningful years” and acknowledging their “unbelievable” achievement.
Voting results for the 2022-23 Kia NBA All-Defensive Team ⬇️
Complete voting results available here: https://t.co/GC585WosCJ pic.twitter.com/2arHAPScWx
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 9, 2023
Despite the disappointing end to their season, it’s hard to solely blame Budenholzer, who led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years.
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks were expected to be title contenders this year, but the team’s early exit shows that changes need to be made. The Bucks now face a pivotal offseason, with several key players potentially entering free agency. The future of Budenholzer with the team is also uncertain.
