In a recent discussion about the future of NBA superstars, Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, shared his thoughts on the potential for Giannis Antetokounmpo to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. Rivers, who has seen the impact of trade rumors on players, emphasized the importance of loyalty in the league, particularly in the cases of Giannis and Steph Curry.
During an appearance on a podcast with Bill Simmons, Rivers addressed the rampant speculation surrounding Giannis, who has been the subject of trade discussions despite his commitment to the Bucks. Simmons jokingly remarked that Giannis was “on eBay,” highlighting how trade rumors can spiral out of control. Rivers responded with frustration, stating, “It’s so ridiculous. I’ve heard all these reports, and you don’t like it when you hear it because you know it’s not true. But still, your players hear it, and everybody else hears it.”
Rivers recounted a personal experience from his time with the Boston Celtics when he was blindsided by rumors that Rajon Rondo would be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. “I was on a treadmill working out, and they announced that the Celtics were about to trade Rondo. I was like, ‘What?!’ We had never had any conversations about it,” Rivers said, illustrating how damaging such rumors can be for players who are trying to focus on their games.
The coach expressed admiration for Giannis’s loyalty to the Bucks, noting that despite the noise surrounding him, the superstar has repeatedly affirmed his desire to win a championship in Milwaukee. “I don’t know how many more times Giannis has to say he wants to be a Buck and he wants to win a title with the Bucks,” Rivers stated. “It’s so cool to me because it’s not the way it’s done anymore.”
Rivers drew a parallel between Giannis and Steph Curry, whom he believes will never leave the Golden State Warriors. “With certain guys, I don’t think Steph Curry would ever leave Golden State, and I’m hoping obviously Giannis feels the same way,” Rivers remarked. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among fans and analysts who value the loyalty of players to their franchises.
The discussion around Giannis’s future comes at a time when the Bucks have faced challenges in the postseason. Despite winning the NBA Championship in 2021, the team has struggled to advance in recent playoff seasons. This has led to increased scrutiny and speculation about the superstar’s future with the franchise.
In response to criticism from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who labeled Giannis an “underachiever” if he fails to win another title, the Greek Freak took to social media to defend his accomplishments. He reposted a fan’s message that praised his journey from humble beginnings in Greece to becoming an NBA champion without joining a superteam. Giannis added a couple of “100” and fire emojis, clearly indicating his pride in his achievements and his commitment to the Bucks.
Bobby Portis, a teammate of Giannis, also weighed in on the loyalty debate, stating, “When you’ve been on a team for a decade-plus and you’ve done so much for a city, I just feel like he bleeds green.” Portis emphasized that despite the rumors, he believes Giannis will remain with the Bucks, reinforcing the idea that true loyalty is rare in today’s NBA landscape.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, the focus will undoubtedly remain on the futures of its star players. The loyalty displayed by Giannis and Curry serves as a reminder of the values that resonate with fans: commitment, trust, and a desire to build a legacy with one franchise. Rivers’s comments underscore the importance of these qualities in a league where player movement has become the norm.
For NBA fans in the United States, the anticipation of the upcoming season is palpable. Will Giannis remain a Buck, or will the trade rumors continue to swirl? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the loyalty of superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steph Curry is something that fans cherish and hope to see more of in the future.