Milwaukee Bucks

NBA superstars are taking over Hollywood with reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's life story now being made into a movie.

Per Deadline's Peter White, the film titled Greek Freak has been put into development for the Disney+ streaming service. 

In addition to Antetokounmpo getting his life immortalized in a movie, the NBA also has LeBron James starring in Space Jam 2, which is coming out in July 2021. 

No release date for Greek Freak was given, but White did note Arash Amel wrote the script that will be produced by Bernie Goldmann, an executive at Disney and Village Roadshow Pictures.

Antetokounmpo's journey to the Milwaukee Bucks and becoming NBA MVP included him spending the first 18 years of his life stateless because he didn't receive citizenship papers from either Nigeria or Greece—where he was born after his parents immigrated from the West African country—due to nationality laws in Greece. 

The Bucks selected Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick in 2013. He went from being a role player as a rookie to one of the most dominant forces in professional basketball, capped off by his 2018-19 MVP performance when he led the Bucks to 60 wins for the first time in 38 years. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder explored trades for Chris Paul after the team acquired him in the July deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets, though none materialized. And one of the teams Paul reportedly had interest in was the Milwaukee Bucks.

"I had heard he wanted to go to Milwaukee," The Ringer's Ryen Russillo said on Adrian Wojnarowski's The Woj Pod. "Of course you'd want to go play with Giannis."

On the court, Paul would have been a logical fit for the Bucks. His ability to both guide an offense and play off the ball as a spot-up shooter would have paired well with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who often initiates Milwaukee's offense. It would have also given the team another player capable of breaking down a defender and getting off a good look late in the shot clock. 

And having another talented veteran to take some of the postseason scoring and playmaking load off the Greek Freak would have been a plus, especially with persistent questions about whether Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe are up to that task. 

But there are other concerns with Paul.

For one, he's 34 years old, and his game could decline shortly. That wouldn't matter if Paul were a one-year rental, but he'll make $38.5 million this season, $41.3 million next year and has a player option for $44.2 million in 2021-22. For a Bucks team that chose against paying the luxury tax this year by letting Malcolm Brogdon walk in free agency, taking on that albatross of a contract was never an option. 

Plus, Paul has a reputation for being a bit prickly, while Milwaukee has cultivated a strong culture and team chemistry. Antetokounmpo talked about that chemistry after the Bucks' 117-111 win over the Rockets to start the season, per Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

"Our chemistry is amazing. I think when the game started, guys weren't able to get in rhythm. My first shot was an airball, Khris (Middleton) had zero points. We weren't playing the best basketball we could play, but at the end of the day we stuck together, we played together.

"As I said, the chemistry is amazing. We've got to keep working on that. You're going to find adversities throughout all the season, but at the end of the day you've got to play together and face moments like this because moments like this make you better."

Winning tends to smooth over any personality clashes, but at the very least, Paul would have brought a new dynamic. Add it all up, and it makes sense the Bucks didn't further explore a deal for Paul.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo denied saying that he might consider leaving the team if they underperform after the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel passed along a Harvard Business School case study with a quote attributed to Antetokounmpo that quickly made waves around the NBA world.

"I want the Bucks to build a winning culture," Antetokounmpo reportedly said in that case study. "So far, we have been doing great, and, if this lasts, there's no other place I want to be. But if we're underperforming in the NBA next year, deciding whether to sign becomes a lot more difficult."

But on Thursday, the Greek Freak was adamant about never using those words, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic:

"As I've said there's going to be a lot of stories that are going to come out. I think everybody knows how sensitive this timing is. They're going to come out with a bunch of stories and all that. My girlfriend Mariah asked me yesterday. She said, 'Did you actually say this?' I said, 'If you're going to read the last quote, I've never used those words in my life.'"

Antetokounmpo only vaguely specified what was misquoted in the case study:

"I'm not going to get into that. As I said, the last—what is it called—quote, paragraph, it's words that I didn't use. Underperforming or whether or deciding, all those words. I've never used those words in all my life. As I said, I'm not going to talk about it. There can be stories coming out. I said this, I said that. I said this. But I'm not going to get into it at all."

Whether Antetokounmpo wants to talk about his future free agency or not, it's an uncertainty that hangs over the Bucks. He's set to hit free agency after the 2020-21 season and will be eligible to sign a five-year, $253.8 million contract extension next summer. 

If Antetokounmpo leaves Milwaukee, it would be devastating for the franchise. MVPs don't grow on trees, and players like the 24-year-old Greek Freak—who averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals last season, dominating in every facet of the game except for his mediocre shooting from beyond the arc (25.6 percent)—are particularly rare. 

As such, the Bucks are operating under a two-year window to win a title. Anything less risks the Greek Freak bolting in free agency, when a number of franchises will likely have cap space free in the event he decides to leave Milwaukee. 

Antetokounmpo, fairly, doesn't want to discuss his future two years out from possible free agency, saying it's disrespectful to his teammates:

"I'm not going to talk about it. I'm just going to focus on this season. As I've said in the past, it's disrespectful, man. We're facing the Houston Rockets, a championship-level team tonight. We're a championship-level team. We have a goal, which is to play until the end. …

"I'm not going to distract my teammates. The attention is not going to be on me. The attention is going to be on this team and what we gotta do to win."

Like it or not, the attention will always be on the Greek Freak. When you're the reigning MVP and lead one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, the spotlight follows you. In this case, it's shining most brightly on his future in Milwaukee. 

The stakes for the Milwaukee Bucks' season just got a whole lot higher.

Speaking with Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse and her co-author, Melcolm Ruffin, Giannis Antetokounmpo said his decision to sign a long-term contract with the Bucks will be "a lot more difficult" if the team underperforms in 2019-20. 

"I want the Bucks to build a winning culture," Antetokounmpo said in a case study on the team's turnaround (via the Journal Sentinel). "So far, we have been doing great, and, if this lasts, there's no other place I want to be. But if we're underperforming in the NBA next year, deciding whether to sign becomes a lot more difficult."

The Bucks are expected to offer Antetokounmpo a five-year contract extension worth $253 million next summer. If Antetokounmpo declines that offer, he can become a free agent in 2021 and may wind up being the latest superstar player on the move via trade.

Giannis has long maintained a desire to stay in Milwaukee, provided the Bucks are winning. His statement to Elberse does not contradict any of his public comments but represents the first time he's hinted an exit could come if the Bucks aren't championship contenders.

Antetokounmpo told Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com this summer:

"My goal is going to stay the same: It's get better, take it day by day, step by step, and the ultimate goal is to win a championship. As long as that we are all on the same page and we are all focused on that goal, why not play for the Bucks 20 years, why not play 25 years? Why not, after playing, be a member of the coaching staff or a member of the front office? But we got to have the same goal. We got to have the same principles. … We got to focus on winning a championship.

"I want to be a part of a winning team. As long as we have the same mindset and same approach to the game, there's no reason for me to move and not be like Steph [Curry], not like be like Dirk [Nowitzki] or Kobe [Bryant] or Tim Duncan."

Veteran supermax contracts, which were designed to keep star players with their franchises, have not necessarily worked as planned. The likes of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis have requested trades in recent seasons despite supermax deals being on the table—often in an effort to land in a glitzier market.

Antetokounmpo would have no shortage of major-market suitors if he were to leave Milwaukee. With a weak free-agent class upcoming this summer, what happens with Antetokounmpo may be the offseason's biggest story.

The rest of the NBA is officially on notice.

Giannis Antetokounmpo said it is "scary how good we can be" when talking about the Milwaukee Bucks heading into the regular season, per Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com. His comments came after Milwaukee completed an undefeated preseason with a convincing 118-96 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"Just the habits that we built these five games, I think defensively the way we played, we were really active as a team covering for one another, but going 5-0 doesn't mean nothing," he added.

That he highlighted defensive habits is notable since Milwaukee was best in the league in defensive rating last season, per NBA.com. It was also fourth in offensive rating, underscoring how effective it was on both ends of the floor while earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

There is plenty to like about the Bucks outside of the fact that Kawhi Leonard—who stood in their way in the East while on the Toronto Raptors—is now in the Western Conference.

Antetokounmpo has a year of experience in Mike Budenholzer’s system under his belt and has even more shooting around him after Milwaukee added Kyle Korver. Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and Korver can space the floor and take advantage of the openings playing alongside Antetokounmpo inevitably creates.

The reigning MVP stuffed the stat sheet in Thursday’s game with 26 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals and appears to only be getting better at 24 years old.

"As I move on into the regular season, usually I get better," Antetokounmpo said. "I learn how guys guard me, I learn how my teammates want the ball and it gets easier. Obviously, you get mentally and physically tired, but it gets way better. I feel real good."

Milwaukee opens its regular season next Thursday against the Houston Rockets.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to be a father.

According to an Instagram post from his girlfriend, Mariah Danae Riddlesprigger, the couple is expecting a child (h/t Eurohoops). 

Riddlesprigger posted a photo with a baby deer stuffed toy, a baby-sized Antetokounmpo jersey and the message "BABY FR34K COMING SOON."

The Greek Freak, showing off his sense of humor, responded to the post with the comment, "Who's the father?" along with the classic eyeballs emoji. 

His brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, also responded to the post with heart emojis.   

Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe could miss up to two to three weeks with a rib injury, per Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium originally reported Bledsoe had a fracture in his ribs.

Bledsoe exited Wednesday's preseason game against the Utah Jazz after just 11 minutes with what was originally called an oblique injury.

In March, Bledsoe signed a four-year, $70 million extension with the Bucks.

Milwaukee acquired Bledsoe early in 2017-18 from Phoenix, where he spent parts of five seasons. He averaged 17.8 points, 5.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game in 71 games for the Bucks that season and followed it up with 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in 78 appearances last season.

The 29-year-old Bledsoe was a key part of the supporting cast around MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo last season along with Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and George Hill for a team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Bledsoe ranked third on the team in points per game last season behind Giannis and Middleton, and he was second in assists per game behind Giannis.

With Malcolm Brogdon no longer in the picture after getting traded to the Indiana Pacers, Bledsoe could be an even more important player for the Bucks this season since he and Hill figure to eat up most of the backcourt minutes.

Since the Bucks open their regular-season slate against the Houston Rockets on Oct. 24, Bledsoe is in danger of missing the start of the campaign should his return timeline stretch beyond two weeks.

If that's the case, look for Hill and veteran Wesley Matthews to serve as the starting backcourt, with the likes of Donte DiVincenzo, Pat Connaughton, Kyle Korver and Frank Mason III also figuring into the mix.

Signing Kyle Korver might end up being a huge move for the Milwaukee Bucks, and not just because of what he provides on the court.

Giannis Antetokounmpo explained Tuesday that he's been learning from Korver on how to improve his jump shot.

"It's really important [that] I always try to talk to him a little bit," Antetokounmpo said, per Eric Woodyard of ESPN. "And he's a great guy. He's not trying to get in your head or overstep and talk too much to you. Whenever he gives me tips, I always try to listen ... one of the best shooters to ever play the game.

"He's definitely going to help this team, but he's definitely going to help a lot of players develop their shooting ability."   

Antetokounmpo was named the league's MVP last season after averaging 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game for a Bucks squad that led the NBA with a 60-22 record.

At 6'11" with great athleticism and instincts, the 24-year-old has become one of the most unstoppable players in the world.

If there's one hole in his game, however, it's his outside shooting. He's made just 27.7 percent of his three-point attempts through his first six years in the league. He was more aggressive from deep last year but shot just 25.6 percent.

Per Woodyard, Giannis finished last in the NBA with a 30.2 percent success rate on all jumpers among those with at least 300 attempts.

He could learn a lot from Korver, who ranks fourth in NBA history with 2,351 career three-pointers. His 42.9 shooting percentage from beyond the arc ranks third among active players, behind only the rates of Seth Curry and Stephen Curry.

If he can impart even some of his knowledge to Antetokounmpo, the rest of the league better watch out.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was not interested in talking about his future free agency during the team's media day Monday.

As he told reporters, he felt "it's disrespectful" toward his teammates to discuss his future plans when he has two more seasons under contract in Milwaukee:

Antetokounmpo, 24, is due $25.8 million this season and $27.5 million in 2020-21. The Bucks will likely do everything in their power to sign him to a long-term extension before he hits unrestricted free agency, as multiple teams would gladly hop into the bidding for the defending NBA MVP.

General manager Jon Horst already said as much, leading to a $50,000 fine against the organization for tampering.

"For right now, we can't talk or negotiate anything. Giannis, basically a year from now, will be eligible for a supermax extension," he said. "At that time, of course, he'll be offered a supermax extension." 

The 2019-20 season may offer a hint of the Greek Freak's future. If the Bucks don't win a title this season—or at least reach the Finals—the questions will swirl around whether Milwaukee is in a position to build a true title contender around him.

Yes, the Bucks have an excellent supporting cast and blistered teams during the 2018-19 regular season to the tune of an NBA-leading 60 wins. But the team's lack of star power behind him was apparent in the postseason, when the Bucks went up 2-0 on the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals before losing the next four games and watching as the Raptors went on to win the title against an injury-depleted Golden State Warriors.

Can the Bucks win a title if Khris Middleton is their second-best player? Will Eric Bledsoe overcome his postseason woes? How much will the loss of Malcolm Brogdon hurt this team? If Milwaukee can't get past the Philadelphia 76ers and the other Eastern Conference contenders this season, can it offer the Greek Freak his best shot at a title?

Remember, Kevin Durant will return for the Brooklyn Nets at some point, either late this season or in the next. That adds another major hurdle for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in the East.

Granted, he's talented enough to lead this team to a title, especially if he improves his perimeter shooting. The Bucks could answer all of those questions this season and put to rest any concerns about Antetokounmpo's long-term status with the team.

But until they do, questions about his eventual free agency will persist, whether he chooses to answer them or not.

Stating the obvious apparently costs $50,000 in the NBA.

According to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic, the league fined the Milwaukee Bucks after general manager Jon Horst told fans at a town hall event the Bucks plan to offer Giannis Antetokounmpo a supermax extension when they're eligible to do so.

Horst referenced how league rules prevent Milwaukee from formally discussing specifics regarding what it would offer Antetokounmpo. By even saying a supermax will be on the table, Horst ran afoul of the guidelines.

ESPN's Malika Andrews shared the league's official statement, which said, "Teams cannot commit to offer a 'supermax' extension prior to the summer following a player's seventh season in the NBA."

Antetokounmpo becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2021, and the Bucks will be allowed to officially begin negotiations next summer.

Everybody expects them to pull out all the stops to keep the three-time All-Star. He averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game en route to winning MVP.

ESPN's Bobby Marks estimated Milwaukee will be able to pay him $247 million over five years. That would be the biggest contract in NBA history, surpassing the five-year, $206 million extension Russell Westbrook signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Of course, Antetokounmpo staying with the Bucks is far from a foregone conclusion.

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets, turning down the chance for more money with their old teams. Anthony Davis forced his way to the Los Angeles Lakers when he made it clear he wouldn't re-sign with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020 should he opt out of his current deal.

Max and supermax extensions no longer provide much of an advantage for teams hopeful of retaining their best unrestricted free agents.

Although they let Malcolm Brogdon go to the Indiana Pacers in a sign-and-trade, the Bucks gave a combined $258.2 million this summer to the trio of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and George Hill.

Ownership is clearly willing to spend what's necessary to remain a title contender, and that includes giving Antetokounmpo every penny it can under the NBA's salary cap.