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Bucks’ Antetokounmpo still wants to build legacy

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, dribbles the ball against Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half of their NBA preseason game on Tuesday in Milwaukee. (AP photo)

MIAMI — Giannis Antetokounmpo’s family home in Greece has a balcony that gives him what he describes as an incredible view of Athens. The nighttime routine when he’s there typically goes like this: grab some fruit, head outside, gaze out at his homeland, let time just drift away.

In those moments, his mind always seems to wander.

“I just sit out there and think about what’s important for me,” Antetokounmpo said. “And every time I come to the conclusion: legacy. What I’m going to be remembered for.”

Regardless of what happens between now — the start of his 13th season in the NBA, all with the Milwaukee Bucks — and whenever Antetokounmpo decides that his playing days are over, much of that legacy is already secure.

He’s won a championship. He’s been an MVP. He’s been an NBA Finals MVP. He’s a perennial All-Star and All-NBA pick. He’s one of only seven players born somewhere other than the 50 states of the U.S. to have reached the 20,000-point mark. This summer, he led Greece to its first EuroBasket medal in 16 years.

But he wants more. Much more. Despite the resume, which is elite by any standard, Antetokounmpo doesn’t think he would be considered an all-time great yet. And that’s why on those Athens nights, while enjoying that plate of fruit, he convinces himself there’s more to accomplish.

“Giannis is one of the best players in the world. We think he’s the best player in the world,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said. “Every time you have a season with him, you think you have a chance to win.”

Those aren’t just words. Over the last eight seasons combined, there have been 152 players who have appeared in at least 400 regular-season games. Of those, no player has been a winner more regularly than Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks’ winning percentage in regular season games where he’s played over that span is .671 — the best in the NBA. (Over those regular seasons, Boston has a .670 winning percentage when Jayson Tatum is in the lineup, Philadelphia has a .670 winning percentage when Joel Embiid plays, and James Harden’s teams — the 76ers, the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn and Houston — also have a .670 winning percentage when he has played.)

“Everything Giannis says is about the team and about being a better team, so I don’t have to do that,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Every part of Giannis says that. If you read his comments this summer, every comment he’s made is about being in Milwaukee and loving this city.”

And yet, the speculation is constant that Antetokounmpo’s story might not end in Milwaukee.

Trade talks are a constant in the NBA, and to be fair, there’s nothing stopping any team from calling another team to inquire about what it may take to acquire someone who happens to be on their roster. It is certain that Antetokounmpo’s name has been in trade talks. It is also certain that the Bucks — if they ever do move him elsewhere — won’t simply give him away.

“I’ve said this many times: I want to be in situations (where) I can win and now I’m here,” Antetokounmpo said. “I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go. And it’s definitely going to be hard. We’re going to take it day by day, but I’m here. So, all the other extra stuff does not matter.”

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

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