The Milwaukee Bucks dropped a heavy loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, with Giannis Antetokounmpo visibly expressing his frustration after the game.
“We’re not playing hard, we’re not playing to win, we’re not playing together. Our chemistry is not there; guys are being selfish. Guys are trying to look for their own shots, they’re not looking for the right shot of the team. Guys try to do it on their own,” Giannis stressed during his post-game availability.
Trade rumors have swirled around him all season as Milwaukee struggled, and Antetokounmpo’s disappointment with the team’s performance remains clear. The Bucks continue to occupy the eleventh spot in the Eastern Conference, keeping them out of the play-in tournament.
Antetokounmpo’s candid comments underline his mounting frustration with a losing season and few signs of improvement. Even amid the struggles, he’s performing at an All-NBA level and remains one of the league’s premier players. The Bucks’ continued woes, paired with Giannis’ visible disappointment, are only adding fuel to the growing chatter that a trade could be on the horizon.
Giannis Antetokounmpo misses his ex-Bucks teammates
Mar 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) slaps hands with forward Khris Middleton (22) and center Brook Lopez (11) after a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Greek Freak also emphasized the importance of teamwork in his comments. While he didn’t hold back in critiquing the current roster, he took time to acknowledge and praise the contributions of players from Milwaukee’s most successful seasons who are no longer with the team.
“We played a team that came down and shot the first shot we took the rebound, we went the other way, and we were like, we’re not gonna win. Like, you gotta move us around, you gotta move me around, you gotta move Khris around, you gotta move Jrue around, you gotta move Brook around.”
Sep 27, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) pose for pictures during Media Day at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Antetokounmpo took time to acknowledge the impact of former teammates Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez, who were key contributors to Milwaukee’s most successful campaigns. All four played vital roles on the 2021 NBA Championship team. Giannis clearly misses that core, while also voicing frustration that the current roster often prioritizes individual play over team success.
Giannis’ departure seems more probable, as few elite players in their prime are willing to stay with a team that lacks a realistic path to a championship. The Bucks are aiming to add another star at the trade deadline, though their available assets to make a deal are limited. If no trade occurs, Giannis will face additional losing seasons before having the opportunity to shape his future.