Bucks Zone

Adrian Griffin feels ecstatic after Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a contract extension

“Having him commit for a few years is just amazing.”

Matthew Dugandzic

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Speculations about whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo will leave the Milwaukee Bucks soon were put to rest when he finally agreed to sign a multi-million three-year contract extension. While Giannis’ contract extension was much-ballyhooed, coach Adrian Griffin never treated it as a distraction.

Great job by Milwaukee execs

As a former NBA player, Griffin knew that the discussion surrounding Giannis’ future in Milwaukee was a part of the trade.

“Honestly, Giannis is not a distraction. He's the best player in the world, and I never looked at it as that. It's a part of the business,” said Griffin, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

Griffin commended General Manager Jon Horst and Assistant General Manager Milt Newtown for sealing the deal that will keep Giannis in Milwaukee for years to come.

“First, I want to thank Jon and Milt and his entire staff. They worked very hard to put this together. A lot of credit goes to them,” said Griffin.

Personally, Griffin was “ecstatic” that the two-time MVP decided to stay longer with the Bucks.

“I’m ecstatic about Giannis signing an extension, he’s the best player in the world. Having him commit for a few years is just amazing,” said Griffin.

While Giannis’ decision to sign a contract extension is a big boost for the Milwaukee organization, Griffin said the team is not losing its focus on the task at hand.

Not losing focus on the goal

Griffin emphasized that there's still so much work to be done as the Bucks look to bounce back from a heart-breaking first-round exit last season. How to seamlessly fit in new recruits led by Damian Lillard with the core of Giannis, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis Jr. is the biggest challenge for the Bucks.

“Still for, a lot of work to do, and it starts with one practice at a time and one game at a time, so we’re not losing sight of what’s really important, which is to build chemistry together on the court and off the court and we continue to get ready for this first game,” said Griffin.

The Bucks will have their season debut on Thursday when they host Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia Sixers at the Fiserv Forum.

Giannis Antetokounmpo agrees to a 3-year contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.