{"id":5206,"date":"2026-07-06T22:35:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T22:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/raleighmovingnews.com\/?p=5206"},"modified":"2026-07-06T22:35:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T22:35:47","slug":"giannis-antetokounmpo-acknowledges-scare-factor-in-switching-teams-for-first-time-in-his-nba-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/raleighmovingnews.com\/?p=5206","title":{"rendered":"Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledges scare factor in switching teams for first time in his NBA career"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

MILWAUKEE (AP) \u2014 Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledged that change is scary as he switches teams for the first time after an extraordinary 13-year run with the Milwaukee Bucks.<\/p>\n

Read more Fox says US-Bosnia World Cup match was most-watched soccer telecast in English in country\u2019s history<\/a><\/p>\n

But ending his career with regrets seemed equally frightening to the two-time NBA MVP.<\/p>\n

As his trade to the Miami Heat was finalized on Monday, Antetokounmpo posted a video on YouTube in which he discussed his mixed emotions with former Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke. He posted a shorter video on social media bidding farewell to Milwaukee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m scared that the grass is not always greener. \u2026 People love me here,\u201d Antetokounmpo said in the interview with Paschke, which lasted nearly 37 minutes. \u201cPeople respect me here. People allow me to be myself here in the city. And I\u2019m scared that I might never find that ever again.\u201d<\/p>\n

But the same unwavering drive that helped him deliver the Bucks their first title in half a century caused him to decide five years later that it was time to move on.<\/p>\n

The Bucks haven\u2019t advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs since their 2021 championship and last won a postseason series in 2022. Antetokounmpo, who will turn 32 in December, said he\u2019d wake up each day wondering if he needed a change of scenery to have a better shot at winning another championship.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m scared that maybe if I don\u2019t take that decision, that when I\u2019m going to be 37, 38 years old, hopefully and I\u2019m retiring, I\u2019m going to say: \u2018Why? Why didn\u2019t you take that risk?\u2019\u201d Antetokounmpo said.<\/p>\n

He made a home in Milwaukee<\/h3>\n

Antetokounmpo is one of the most beloved sports figures in the history of Wisconsin. After the Bucks selected him with the 15th pick in the 2013 draft, fans watched the skinny 18-year-old mature into the \u201cGreek Freak,\u201d a two-time MVP who became the most impactful player in franchise history.<\/p>\n

He established roots here. Antetokounmpo, who had grown up in poverty, brought his whole family with him for a new beginning. He\u2019d eventually start a family of his own here as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart,\u201d Antetokounmpo said. \u201cThis is my home.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the interview, Paschke asked Antetokounmpo what advice his father might have offered about this move. Antetokounmpo\u2019s father, Charles, died in 2017 and is buried in Milwaukee.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father would tell me go to an uncomfortable situation that can allow you to grow and chase your dream, no matter what,\u201d Antetokounmpo replied.<\/p>\n

Antetokounmpo leaves Milwaukee as the Bucks\u2019 career leader in virtually every statistical category, including points, rebounds, assists, blocks, games and minutes played.<\/p>\n

Read more Mikel Merino\u2019s late goal sends Spain to quarterfinals and ends Cristiano Ronaldo\u2019s World Cup career<\/a><\/p>\n

He showcased his tenacity while leading the Bucks to their 2021 title.<\/p>\n

Antetokounmpo hyperextended his knee during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals but missed only two games before returning to earn NBA Finals MVP honors. He scored 50 points in Milwaukee\u2019s title-clinching Game 6 victory over the Phoenix Suns.<\/p>\n

During the interview with Paschke, Antetokounmpo spoke about how grateful he felt for providing that championship to the city of Milwaukee. Fans loved him for his willingness to sign multiple contract extensions to stay here.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t understand it,\u201d Antetokounmpo said. \u201cUntil you take a break, take a pause and walk out on the street and people approach you and talk to you about it,\u201d Antetokounmpo said. \u201cThat\u2019s when you start realizing, \u2018Man, man, man, man.\u2019 It\u2019s bigger than basketball. You made people feel something.\u201d<\/p>\n

His impact was immeasurable<\/h3>\n

Paschke, who broadcast Bucks games for 35 years before retiring at the end of the 2020-21 season, emphasized how much Antetokounmpo meant to the city.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I need you to know that you\u2019ve had such an impact on everyone,\u201d Paschke told him. \u201cI don\u2019t even know if you realize the impact you\u2019ve had.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bucks general manager Jon Horst noted that in a statement announcing the trade, in which Milwaukee acquired Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez, Kasparas Jakucionis, the draft rights to rookie Nate Ament and multiple other draft picks.<\/p>\n

Horst said it was the right move for both Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, but he added that \u201cthere are few players in the history of professional sports who have elevated a franchise, a city and a fan base the way Giannis Antetokounmpo has for Milwaukee and the Bucks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe became an ambassador for our city around the world and a source of pride for our entire state,\u201d Horst said. \u201cThrough his generosity, authenticity and commitment to helping others, he touched lives throughout our community and inspired people across generations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Part of the disappointment about Antetokounmpo\u2019s exit stems from Milwaukee fans never really getting to say goodbye to him.<\/p>\n

Antetokounmpo landed awkwardly on a dunk in a March 15 victory over Indiana and didn\u2019t play again, missing the Bucks\u2019 final 15 games. He said late in the season that he was healthy and wanted to play, while the Bucks said he had a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. That kept Bucks fans from getting one last chance to show their appreciation.<\/p>\n

Of course, there\u2019s always the possibility this isn\u2019t a final farewell.<\/p>\n

When Paschke noted that Antetokounmpo would always be welcome in Milwaukee, the 10-time All-Star replied that it \u201cwould be awesome if I could go and play and maybe come back.\u201d Antetokounmpo even noted that Kevin Garnett did that by starting and finishing his career in Minnesota.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw this clip of him walking into the arena, and they gave him a standing ovation, and people to this day love him,\u201d Antetokounmpo recalled.<\/p>\n

Read more Man killed in Fayetteville double shooting on Newark Avenue identified, police say<\/a><\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

AP NBA: https:\/\/apnews.com\/nba<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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