{"id":33384,"date":"2020-09-11T13:08:31","date_gmt":"2020-09-11T17:08:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=33384"},"modified":"2020-09-11T13:08:31","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T17:08:31","slug":"teams-giannis-antetokounmpo-goes-to-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2020\/09\/11\/teams-giannis-antetokounmpo-goes-to-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Giannis Antetokounmpo: Best Places to Win"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the second consecutive year, the No. 1 seeded Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> have been eliminated from the NBA Playoffs earlier than expected. Last year, the Toronto Raptors<\/a> handed Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a><\/strong> and the Bucks an ECF loss. This year, the fifth-seed Miami Heat<\/a> bounced Milwaukee one round earlier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There is growing concern around the nucleus that Milwaukee\u2019s front office has surrounded its global superstar with. In addition to the growing concern, Antetokounmpo, perhaps the best player on the planet today, will hit unrestricted free agency following the 2020-21 season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Top Places for Giannis Antetokounmpo to Win\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Following the Footsteps of Another Legend?<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s easy to draw parallels to LeBron James<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>announcing his decision<\/a><\/span> to take his \u201ctalents to South Beach.\u201d Much like King James, throughout his career, Antetokounmpo maintains his desire to win.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know what the goal is \u2014 the goal is to win a championship,\u201d Antetokounmpo <\/span>said to reporters<\/span><\/a> inside the NBA Bubble.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On Thursday, Shams Charania of <\/span>The Athletic <\/span><\/i>reported<\/span><\/a> the Bucks are prepared to offer Antetokounmpo the five-year super-maximum as soon as free agency begins this offseason. Yet, the questions remain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can the Bucks add pieces to secure a championship for Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee? Will Antetokounmpo demand a trade prior? Or, will Giannis turn down this maximum contract for a chance at free agency?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If Antetokounmpo opts to end his tenure in Milwaukee early, what are the best options for him to win? Last Word on Pro Basketball breaks down the teams that give him the best chance at a title.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Giannis Antetokounmpo Takes His Talents to South Beach?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Picture this. A decade after King James took his own talents to South Beach, the storyline is repeated with Antetokounmpo. A year after the Heat eliminated the 2020 NBA Championship favorite Bucks nonetheless.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, that would be dramatic, newsworthy, and have a whole lot of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heat Team President Pat Riley<\/a> is considered a big reason why James made this decision in 2010. Riley has always provided the Miami Heat with a winning culture and ability to serve the needs of superstar talents. The allure of the city of Miami, a winning culture, and joining a squad laden with talent are attractive for any free agent. Front office and team history? Check.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heat stars Jimmy Butler<\/a><\/strong> and Bam Adebayo<\/a><\/strong> are under contract for at least the next two seasons. It\u2019s expected Miami will attempt to retain this talented duo long-term, which will be easier after a lengthy 2020 playoff run. The Heat also possesses a young, talented core in Tyler Herro<\/a><\/strong>, Kendrick Nunn<\/a><\/strong>, and Duncan Robinson<\/a><\/strong>. Talent? Check.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, there is the Erik Spoelstra factor. Previously unknown, Spoelstra helped transform James\u2019 career in Miami. A prolific game-planner, Spoelstra is known for his ability to challenge his stars and create unique game plans both offensively and defensively. For any situation. Coaching? Check.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheNBACentral\/status\/1301382001514237952<\/p>\n

Joins the Golden State Dynasty?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Despite several injury-riddled seasons, the Golden State Warriors<\/a> still possess their championship core. Some of this core may be aging in Draymond Green<\/a><\/strong>, but Stephen Curry<\/a><\/strong> and Klay Thompson<\/a><\/strong> are still playing at elite levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With Andrew Wiggins<\/a><\/strong> in the mix, Golden State would need to trim space to make way for Antetokounmpo. Curry is a no-brainer and a Warrior for life. Thompson stretches the floor and the Warriors should look to unload Wiggins and Green for cheaper contracts. But the overall talent? Check.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Warriors\u2019 dynasty took a brief hiatus this year, but there is, perhaps, no better winning culture in the NBA. Since 2014, Golden State has appeared in five NBA Finals, winning the championship in three of them. The pieces of the championship including the talent, head coach Steve Kerr<\/a>, and the front office remain the same. Winning culture? Check.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One last tantalizing prospect for Antetokounmpo? Golden State opened a new $1.4 billion arena in downtown San Francisco at the beginning of 2019. The state-of-the-art Chase Center. Attractive destination? Check.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Chase Center is officially open! From @warriors<\/a> games, to pop-up concerts, to art murals, @chasecenter<\/a> has something for everyone! Learn more about the new arena: https:\/\/t.co\/DDqfeTlFcl<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/0EMsmlr4uF<\/a><\/p>\n

— Chase (@Chase) September 4, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n