Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks in front of Kylor Kelley #35 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks have relied on superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo for the past couple of years. However, assistant coach Darvin Ham expressed that dependence remains the same going into next season.
Antetokounmpo has been playing at an incredible level for the Bucks, remaining an All-NBA player for nine consecutive years. He elevated the franchise into being a consistent playoff team, even reaching the mountaintop after winning the 2021 NBA Finals.
Antetokounmpo has done so much for Milwaukee, being active with the community on and off the court. However, the team hasn’t had the same momentum as they’ve suffered three straight first-round exits in the playoffs, declining from their 2021 title run.
Ham is one of many NBA coaches and personalities who made the trip to watch Antetokounmpo and other stars compete in EuroBasket. Speaking with BasketNews writer Giorgios Kyriakidis, the coach explained the difference between the star’s role with Greece and on the Bucks.
“[In] the NBA, his usage rate is off the charts,” Ham said about Antetokounmpo. “He’s always constantly has the ball in his hands. So, a little bit different role for him over there. He does a great job to include his teammates. I can’t stress that enough. He does a great job including his teammates and allowing things to happen and take place. And with us, he has to be Superman, but it’s good. It’s good to see him be able to do both.”
Darvin Ham speaks on Giannis Antetokounmpo representing the Greek national team 🗣️🇬🇷 #EuroBasket
Doc Rivers and Bucks representatives are in Cyprus observing Giannis: https://t.co/3aWNKrstX5 pic.twitter.com/M1cAuIwCak
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 28, 2025
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What Lies Ahead For Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Bobby Portis #9 speak with Kevin Porter Jr. #3 during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves of the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 08, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
It will be imperative for the Bucks to improve their roster, especially to benefit Giannis Antetokounmpo with his future up in the air.
Antetokounmpo has long declared that he wants to compete for championships. He even went as far to say that it can happen anywhere he goes to, meaning that Milwaukee needs to be urgent in adding the best talent around him if they want him to stay in the long term.
Antetokounmpo has the right to make that case, considering elite status as one of the best players in the league. He has been consistently healthy, torching opponents with his sheer size and athleticism, doing everything on the court to help his team win games.
Last season was another strong campaign in the books for him. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game after 67 appearances. He shot 60.1% from the field, including 22.2% from beyond the arc, and 60.7% from the free-throw line.
Antetokounmpo continue to be fierce in the playoffs, being highly competitive against the Indiana Pacers. He produced 33 points, 15.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists, a steal, and a block per contest on 62.8% shooting overall.
However, it wasn’t enough as Milwaukee lost in five games to Indiana during the first round. They made adjustments in the offseason, replacing Damian Lillard with Myles Turner while adding Cole Anthony and Gary Harris.
Time is of the essence for the Bucks to return to title contention. They can count on Antetokounmpo to remain potent with his elite production, but they can’t risk losing him in the 2027 offseason when his contract is up.