SALT LAKE CITY — Talk about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is heating up as the February 5 NBA trade deadline approaches. But Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, a Milwaukee native and longtime fan of Antetokounmpo, has a unique take. For him, seeing Giannis in another jersey would feel odd.
“He’s like a Steph Curry or a Tim Duncan,” Podziemski said before a game against the Utah Jazz. “It’s hard to imagine him playing for another team. It would definitely be different.”
Podziemski reflected on how much the city of Milwaukee has changed since Giannis joined the Bucks as the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. His influence helped bring new life to the area, including the opening of the Fiserv Forum in 2018.
“My dad works downtown, right by the arena,” Podziemski shared. “Before Giannis, there was just his school and a couple hotels. Now, they’ve built lots of restaurants, similar to the Thrive City around Chase Center. The whole city has transformed.”
During a visit to Milwaukee last season, Podziemski took a moment to thank Antetokounmpo for his contributions to the community.
“I respect what he’s done for basketball, for European players, and for Milwaukee,” he said.
While the Warriors have been discussed as a potential landing spot for Giannis, it’s unclear if the Bucks have any interest in trading him. Podziemski, watching from the sidelines, isn’t focused on the swirling trade rumors on social media.
“I’m just concentrating on our games before the deadline,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens.”
The connection between a player and a city can have a lasting impact. Research shows that when athletes give back to their communities, it helps improve local sentiment and pride. In Giannis’s case, he’s not just a player; he’s become a symbol of Milwaukee’s resurgence.
As fans wait to see what will happen, many are hoping that Giannis remains a Buck. After all, some alliances are just meant to last.
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Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, NBA
