The Milwaukee Bucks will once again rely heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo for the 2025-26 season, with indications that the superstar will remain in Milwaukee for now. Although there were rumors following the 2024-25 season that Antetokounmpo might be open to a trade for the first time in his career, it appears that no such move will take place during the upcoming offseason.
With Damian Lillard no longer part of the Bucks roster, the team is expected to depend even more on Antetokounmpo’s leadership and playmaking abilities, positioning him as the focal point of their offense.
Blake Griffin Predicts Giannis Will Secure the MVP Award
Six-time All-Star Blake Griffin has publicly expressed his belief that Giannis Antetokounmpo will win the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA MVP next season, given the increased responsibilities he will shoulder for Milwaukee. Griffin said on the podcast Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston,
“I’m gonna go with Giannis… He’s gonna be playing close to 40 minutes a night, averaging whatever ungodly numbers he does,” —Blake Griffin
Having faced Antetokounmpo many times during his NBA career, Griffin understands the tremendous impact Giannis can have, especially when he is aggressively attacking the basket. As Milwaukee lacks a reliable point guard to run the offense, Antetokounmpo will need to act as the primary creator, a role typically filled by a playmaker.
Potential for Career-Best Statistics in the Coming Season
Giannis Antetokounmpo enters the next season with the chance to deliver statistical outputs that could surpass even his impressive career numbers. Milwaukee aims to tailor their game plan around maximizing his MVP prospects, recognizing that their current roster may not be championship-caliber without him performing at an elite level.
The addition of Myles Turner, a strong three-point shooter, should help the Bucks’ offense, but Antetokounmpo will be crucial in creating scoring opportunities for Turner and the rest of the team. Last season, Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, numbers that establish a high benchmark for the coming season.
Looking Ahead: The Bucks’ Strategy Emphasizes Giannis’ Role
As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, their strategy clearly revolves around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance on the court. With the absence of a dependable point guard, the team will rely on Giannis’ versatility and playmaking to keep them competitive. His ability to maintain or exceed his current performance level will be pivotal not only for the Bucks’ success but also for his own chances of capturing the coveted 2026 MVP award.