Milwaukee has been a major threat in the East in the past years, haven’t they? Last year, the franchise welcomed Damian Lillard, considered one of the best shooters in history. On the other hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, who has led the franchise to the Finals in the past can certainly make it happen again. Giannis is in the middle of his prime and wouldn’t settle for anything less than a championship run. Having Dame by his side has helped a lot, but even the best transactions can’t save a franchise from unfortunate injuries.

Ever since their title run, the Bucks have been struggling to replicate the same or better result and remained ‘a threat’ itself. And the Freak is hopeful of a glory run in the coming years. However, with the fast-paced moving of the league, Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee might not be as certain as it might seem. Amid that, one more incident might shake Giannis further.

Just days back, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps conducted a poll of 18 coaches, scouts, and executives in the NBA offseason. Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić who won his third MVP award in the last four seasons, received 15 votes to be named the league’s top player right now. Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić receives two whereas Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards got one. This means that Giannis did not receive a single vote in this.

Let us not forget that he averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting over 61% from the field. Not to mention, his last two seasons have been as productive as his MVP years. Most of it has to do with playoff exits and Giannis’ injuries. Still, there is no doubt that the Freak has made the case for his third MVP award. Had he been healthy, the East would’ve had a different outlook on the present day. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also stated the same.

In an YouTube video posted by NBA on ESPN on August 27, Windhorst was joined by Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss Bontemps’ NBA offseason survey. “The disregarding of the Bucks because of the injuries the badly timed injuries to Giannis, I don’t think is fair. The Bucks and Giannis are a better team they’re giving credit for,” Windhorst said on the YouTube video while commenting on the 0-vote matter. And it is not completely wrong. Even amid this debacle, let us not forget a few facts about the Bucks.

The Bucks still have the best win percentage (.665%) in the NBA over the past five seasons, including that 2021 NBA championship. The Bucks’ big three is also not something to be overlooked. Before the late-season injury shattered the Bucks’ playoff chances, Antetokounmpo played 73 regular-season games. In those, he became the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 points while shooting 60% from the field. Lillard, on the other hand, stands as one of the NBA’s elite scorers/playmakers.

Most overlooked among them is probably, Khris Middleton. He pulled off his best postseason against the Pacers, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 48.2 percent shooting. What he needs is to just stay healthy to overturn the story. But the team is indeed in debacle.

They fired head coach Adrian Griffin at midseason last year. They then hired NBA staple Doc Rivers, but they went 17-19 and lost a first-round playoff series for a second straight season. To top it off, the hyped duo of Giannis and Lillard could not deliver as expected. But should Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee be in question, where will the star look to take his talents? Well, teams would give everything to have a shot at adding the Greek Freak to their roster, but there is one franchise that seems to stand out.

Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t look bad in a Rockets jersey!

The Rockets are projected to secure a cap space of over $110 million next year. Houston quite literally has a lot of room to add anyone they want. But the goodness doesn’t end there. They also have 9 first-round picks through 2030. This opens the door for exceptional talent coming their way that can also be used to add other experienced players alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. The upcoming offseason is going to be huge for the Rockets.

If they can add a superstar and then build a roster around that player, names like Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets will be as happy as they were contending in the postseason with James Harden. But then again, the front office can look to play it safe, saving as much of their future draft picks as possible. There are also hoopers like Dillon Brooks and Reed Sheppard to look out for.

Nevertheless, looking at other Western teams, the Pelicans can become the favorites to land the 2x MVP. But why is that? This is mainly because of the Pels’ ability to trade away Brandon Ingram instead of someone like Zion Williamson or Dejounte Murray.

Yes, this trade can definitely work without having to spend Zion, Murray, or McCollum in the trade. Moreover, a healthy New Orleans trio alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo will make them a serious threat in the West.

Given the fact that Zion went down with an injury during the postseason, the Pelicans missed out on a potential run to the Conference Finals. So, it will be interesting to see which franchise considers Giannis as a part of their vision. What are your thoughts on Antetokounmpo’s tenure in Milwaukee? Do you think he will consider leaving? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.