Giannis on Lillard: “Having a player like Dame is incredible”

Giannis Antetonkoumbo did not hide his joy for his coexistence with Lillard in the Bucks. The Greek ace spoke at the Milwaukee team’s media day ahead of the start of the league and said that it is something incredible that there is now a player of his value in the team.

“Having a player like Dame in the team is incredible. He wants to win, he’s very hungry. I’m 10 years old and I’ve done things. With this move there is a lot of hype around the team and people think we are one of the best teams in the East. Going into the season we need to build good habits. We have to play the game and stay focused. There is hype around us and a lot of talk. At the end of the day you don’t win a title in one go. You win by standing at the end. We have great players in the team. We have to play, be on the same page, get better and build habits game by game. We shouldn’t talk too much, but play the game” he mentioned and added about what is said about the winning team.

Giannis on trade for Dame ?? pic.twitter.com/SudQAg7UbI

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 2, 2023

“It’s something I say every year, something I’ve been saying since I became the leader of the team. I want to win games. I want to win games, I want to win titles. If I have to sacrifice family time, court time, I want everyone to be on the same page. I’m talking about the whole organization. We are here to win. We always want to win. This is how we should think. I hope everyone thinks so. I see the dedication of everyone in the team to build a championship level group. I don’t like us being one of the worst teams, I want to feel comfortable and challenge for a championship.

It’s something I say every year. As long as the team is fighting for a championship I am here. I want to win. It’s not easy. It’s easy to get comfortable in a group and live simply and feel good. I’m a winner, I want to win. As long as I can, my legs are holding up and I feel good, I want to win.”

On the addition of Lillard and Holiday he said:

“Jrou was a big part of the team and even with him we would have had a chance to win. Dame is hungry for a title and we want to show that. That shows the dedication to win a title and I’m happy about that.”



Finally, he emphasized on the issue of contract extension…

I don’t remember saying it, but signing a contract extension now doesn’t make sense. Money is not important, lots of money is important. So I will sign next year. It doesn’t make sense to sign now. I want to be with the Bucks for the rest of my career, as long as we keep winning. What do you expect me to say? That I want to be on the Bucks and lose? Nothing like that will ever come out of my mouth. My dedication to the team is a given. I hope I have a good year, we have a good year, we win the championship, everyone is happy. And if the offer is on the table, I might accept it.

Giannis on signing an extension: “Money is not important. A lot of fucking money is important. So I’m gonna sign it next year. It doesn’t make sense to sign right now. I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career, as long as we are winning”. pic.twitter.com/XLmTp1baNW

— Bart Winkler (@WinksThinks) October 2, 2023