Former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo name dropped Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla in surprising context when discussing his desire to play basketball again. Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are at odds about him returning to play over these final four meaningless games of the regular season. Giannis reported the Bucks to the league and claimed they are blocking him from playing while healthy.
Today’s quote saw Antetokounmpo referencing Mazzulla’s mindset when discussing his own perspective about returning in “pointless” games:
“Everything about my decision is based on winning— look at Joe Mazzulla. He had so many opportunities this season to make excuses but never did. He realized what he had in his players.”
Giannis referenced how Boston could have easily quit on this season due to the Achilles injury to Jayson Tatum. Some pundits wanted the Celtics to “tank” since most expected Tatum to miss the entire season. Boston also lost Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis during the offseason via trades.
Mazzulla was named by Antetokounmpo for having the right mentality for basketball to always play hard and try to compete at the highest level. Giannis named a team that represented his vision of basketball at a time when he’s upset about the Bucks sitting him out.
Could Boston Be A Future Home For Giannis?
If Giannis does finally leave the Bucks via a trade in the offseason, it will be due to his competitive nature to contend and win playoff games again. Antetokounmpo wants to join a team, like Boston, who clearly has a coach that believes his players can win with restrictions and injuries.
However, it remains unlikely the Celtics will be able to make a trade for Giannis work due to the money and other logistics. Tatum or Brown would have to be included in such a trade, but Boston is unlikely to move either of their proven franchise players.
Milwaukee would not have interest in a trade package built around Derrick White, other players and future draft picks. The Celtics are always good and have two top stars yet to turn 30 years old to make their draft picks less valuable. Antetokounmpo would have to join Boston in the future via free agency to play for Mazzulla.
Why This Quote Shows Giannis Is Gone
Regardless of Boston not having a realistic chance, other teams will look at this quote and realize how likely it is that Giannis gets traded. Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo being at odds to get the league involved to investigate the situation shows that bad blood is building.
Bucks’ ownership has already confirmed that they will shop Giannis on the trade block if he doesn’t sign an extension with one year left on his contract. Antetokounmpo is unlikely to even consider this since he’s talked about competing at the highest level being his ultimate goal.
Teams like the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat have shown strong interest in past talks. However, a strong offer is needed to appease Milwaukee to get a deal approved. Any team acquiring Antetokounmpo must look at his quote and realize he wants a situation like how Mazzulla leads the Celtics.
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