Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo responded to hometown jeers with boos of his own during the Bucks’ lopsided loss to the Timberwolves on Tuesday night. After converting a basket and drawing a foul early in the third quarter, the two-time MVP remained on the floor, flashed a double thumbs-down and audibly booed the Fiserv Forum crowd.
Antetokounmpo, who often reacts the same way to road crowds, told reporters, “Whenever I get booed, I boo back.” He added that he plays “for my teammates, myself and my family,” and said no one should dictate how he behaves on the court after 13 seasons with the franchise. Tuesday’s defeat dropped Milwaukee to 17-23, leaving the club 1.5 games shy of the East’s final play-in position.
Pistons May Convert Jenkins’ Deal
Daniss Jenkins is approaching the 50-game ceiling on his two-way contract and is projected to reach that mark on February 5, the same day as the NBA trade deadline. According to The Detroit Free Press, Detroit is expected to open a roster spot and sign the second-year guard to a standard pact, likely for one or two seasons, after he carved out a rotation role.
Detroit’s $14.3 Million TPE
The Pistons also hold a $14.3 million Traded Player Exception that expires July 7. The Athletic lists Bucks forward Bobby Portis, Spurs center Kelly Olynyk, Hawks wing Luke Kennard, Celtics forward Sam Hauser and Mavericks guard Max Christie as contracts Detroit could absorb before the deadline.
Carlisle Praises Walker’s Progress
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle highlighted third-year forward Jarace Walker following back-to-back games. Walker supplied 11 points and seven rebounds in 25 bench minutes during Monday’s victory over Boston. “He’s playing with force at both ends,” Carlisle said, noting improvements in defense, rebounding and shot selection as the game slows down for the 21-year-old.
Source: Hoops Rumors
