Name: Shams Charania’s Inside Pass: What’s next for Bucks, Bud and, yes, Giannis
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Shams Charania’s Inside Pass: What’s next for Bucks, Bud and, yes, Giannis

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Sep 10, 2020LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Following 36 hours of around-the-clock treatment on his sprained right ankle, star entered The Fieldhouse in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. for pregame warmups Tuesday night. His ankle had felt too painful that morning, lacking mobility, and so Antetokounmpo began riding the bike, doing exercises to open up the foot and ankle area. He did his shooting routine in a stationary manner; there was no cutting, no sudden moves.Antetokounmpo left the floor to finish his pregame workout with some weights, and about 10 minutes later was ruled out of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Heat. This is how the season ended for the ’s reigning MVP, a true team player who desperately wanted to be on the floor.With a 4-1 series victory, the ended his and the Bucks’ season Tuesday night, sending Antetokounmpo home to fully heal the ankle and the Bucks home to numerous questions about where the franchise goes from here.Prior to the league’s restart on the Disney World campus, the Bucks were the best team in the NBA in the regular season and had the advantage of Fiserv Forum. But in the restart, the franchise never fully found its rhythm. On Aug. 26, Bucks players were the first to stage a walkout of games in the bubble, leading to as the shooting of Jacob Blake by police officers in Kenosha, Wis., weighed on several players.Rival executives expect the Bucks to prioritize acquiring a playmaker and more shooting in the offseason to retool the roster around Antetokounmpo. Bucks guard is under contract for multiple seasons and had another standout season by earning All-Defensive team honors, but he is expected to become a potential trade candidate, sources told The Athletic.As for head coach , he is safe, according to sources. This much is certain, though: Across the Bucks‘ leadership group, there’s an understanding everyone must learn from this season and be better. They need to continue building a winning mentality, stocking the roster with key decision-makers.Milwaukee will offer Antetokounmpo the five-year super-maximum as soon as free agency begins this offseason, sources said. Should the salary cap remain at the projected $115 million, the super max would be worth five years and $233.45 million. For a salary cap of $109 million — the 2019 offseason figure — the deal would be worth five years and $221.27 million.For Antetokounmpo, there is continued room for improvement. The 25-year-old brought an improved 3-point shot into this season, but, for the second consecutive postseason, an Eastern Conference contender built a defensive wall to contain Milwaukee’s offense. NBA personnel inside the bubble were all in agreement as the Bucks’ series against Miami went on: Antetokounmpo must find a go-to move beyond his uncanny ability to drive past multiple defenders for dunks and inside finishes.Knowing how hard he works, his passion and drive, expect Antetokounmpo to continue elevating his game. That is a scary thought. And that will be as much of a key development as any for these Bucks.More notes from around the NBA…The Nets are pursuing&nbsp;multiple assistant candidates&nbsp;for head coach Steve Nash’s staff, including assistant Phil Handy, sources said. Jacque Vaughn will serve as the lead assistant on the staff.The Thunder offered Billy Donovan a new contract with two guaranteed seasons, prior to the NBA’s restarted season, and he did not accept the deal, sources said. Both sides agreed to table discussions until the end of the season, and ultimately parted ways on Tuesday.(Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images)

Sep 10, 2020LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Following 36 hours of around-the-clock treatment on his sprained right ankle, star entered The Fieldhouse in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. for pregame warmups Tuesday night. His ankle had felt too painful that morning, lacking mobility, and so Antetokounmpo began riding the bike, doing exercises to open up the foot and ankle area. He did his shooting routine in a stationary manner; there was no cutting, no sudden moves.Antetokounmpo left the floor to finish his pregame workout with some weights, and about 10 minutes later was ruled out of Game 5 of the Eastern...

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Shams Charania’s Inside Pass: What’s next for Bucks, Bud and, yes, Giannis

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