Miami Heat: Why entire NBA will be watching series with Milwaukee Bucks
Given surrounding narratives, it’s safe to say that the entire NBA will be watching this Miami Heat versus Milwaukee Bucks series.
Among the second-round series across the NBA, it’s safe to say that the Miami Heat’s matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks will draw the most interest among fans and executives alike.
Why? One name: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The reigning MVP and recently named 2020 Defensive Player of the Year has been the talk of the league since prior to the regular season’s start. He and Milwaukee have yet to come to terms on an extension to keep the Greek Freak with the Bucks past next season.
There’s no doubt Antetokounmpo wants to stay in Milwaukee, who drafted him with the 15th overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft. But it’s also been made pretty clear that his top priority will not be keeping friends in free agency, but to commit to somewhere he thinks he can win a title.
One name that comes to mind when you assess Antetokounmpo’s situation is Kevin Durant. You’ll surely remember that he left his longtime home with the Oklahoma City Thunder to join up with a Golden State Warriors team that eliminated him in the 2016 Western Conference Finals.
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Which is another area to direct your focus: this Bucks and Heat matchup is taking place in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, a little early for two teams considered to have a title shot.
Well not only could Miami ruin Milwaukee’s much-needed road to the Finals, but there’s also the fact that they’re considered the favorite to land Antetokounmpo, should he part ways with the club. Again, more parallels to the Durant and Thunder split.
Say the Heat come out and put the Bucks down in six or fewer games. How does Giannis, smack in the middle of his prime, willingly agree to sign a supermax extension with the club? They were just put down by the team that wants him most and only in the second round mind you.
On the other hand, if Antetokounmpo and this Milwaukee team can come out and handle business in six or fewer games, there will be a sigh of relief among the team’s executives for sure.
They’ll still have to top the Boston Celtics or Toronto Raptors to reach the Finals, but taking down the Miami Heat in this series is a large first step towards securing Giannis’ commitment.
Next. An Early Look at Milwaukee, the Enigma Matchup. dark
Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue their postseason path against the Miami Heat on Monday. Game 1 will tip off at 4:30 pm est, with coverage provided by TNT and TNT Overtime.