“What makes Giannis comfortable here? One thing that they have pitched him on is having the ball in his hands a lot more next season. He played with a guy like Damian—brother, he ain’t going nowhere. He’s a dog. Anytime I see him playing basketball, everybody’s smiling. He’s good vibes. I don’t think there’s going to be any surprise if Thanasis might be on this team again. But they’re telling Giannis: we’ll give you more control, more touches, more creation responsibility. They believe they can compete in the Eastern Conference. Whether that’s true or not, that’s what they’re selling him. You essentially take somewhat of a gap year, retool this team, and push again next year. From my understanding, Jon Horst and Doc Rivers genuinely believe this team can make a run, especially if Giannis fully buys in. Whether that’s enough to satisfy him—we’ll see. But that’s the Bucks’ pitch. Recommit anOd lead this team for one more run while the front office works around the edges.”