Milwaukee, WI — Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo said he does not yet consider himself among the NBA’s all-time elite, telling The Associated Press he still has “a lot of work to do” before being mentioned with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“I’m not there yet,” Antetokounmpo said, adding that his priority is winning rather than accumulating statistics. “But I’m going to be there.”
Wednesday’s matchup will also mark forward Khris Middleton’s first appearance at Fiserv Forum since Milwaukee traded him to Washington. Middleton described the return as “an emotional night,” a sentiment Antetokounmpo echoed. “When he comes here and he sees the tribute video, he should be in tears,” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic. “That’s my brother for life. We’ve done incredible things together.”
Pistons Hold Off on Duren, Ivey Extensions
The Detroit Pistons chose not to finalize rookie-scale extensions for center Jalen Duren and guard Jaden Ivey before Monday’s deadline, positioning both players for restricted free agency in 2026, according to The Detroit Free Press. That offseason could also feature Tobias Harris entering unrestricted free agency and Ausar Thompson becoming extension-eligible.
Thompson may be Detroit’s next breakout candidate, teammate Cade Cunningham told The Athletic, calling the forward’s offseason “great” and predicting he will “wake a lot of people up.” Thompson said his focus is maintaining the right mindset “every single game.”
Pacers Lock In Nesmith; Rookie Kam Jones Faces Charges
The Indiana Pacers have signed swingman Aaron Nesmith to a two-year, $40.4 million extension, the team announced. President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said Nesmith “embodies our team’s selfless, fast-paced style.”
Nesmith, 26, shot 42.3 percent from three-point range during the regular season and 49.2 percent in the playoffs, averaging 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 26.6 minutes while helping Indiana reach the Finals.
Separately, rookie guard Kam Jones was charged with reckless driving and resisting law enforcement after a brief chase on I-65 Monday morning. Police reports reviewed by The Indianapolis Star state that Jones told officers he was running late for practice.
Source: Hoops Wire
