Giannis Believes The Bucks' Next Stretch Could Make or Break Them

The Milwaukee Bucks aren’t looking too hot. As of Friday, they are the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 14–20. This is not where you want to be with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the middle of his prime. 

Many around the league think that if the Bucks don’t change things around, a Giannis trade request could be the next domino to fall. While Giannis hasn’t confirmed or denied this, he has made it clear he wants to compete for titles. If the Bucks continue to struggle, they won’t even be competing for a playoff spot. 

“We’re 11th in the East. My whole career, we’ve had winning seasons. January to February before the [All-Star] break, you gotta stack up wins, and we have a tough schedule…I don’t think people understand—this can make us or break us. I don’t want to break; I want to be made. As a leader, gotta keep myself accountable, keep on trying to do the right thing, keep on moving the ball. I gotta playmake more and just hope that can inspire people to follow and try to do the right thing.”

This next stretch of the season could have huge implications for the entire Bucks franchise. If they struggle, Giannis could ask out and leave the franchise with no clear path to contending anytime soon.

If they turn things around, the Eastern Conference is still open for the taking. 

Could a deep playoff run mean Giannis signs an extension? Only time will tell.