Giannis Stresses Championship Focus From Greece; Simons Sees Defensive Opportunity in Boston; Hornets Complete Camp Roster
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Milwaukee, Boston and Charlotte — As Eastern Conference teams opened training camp this week, the Bucks heard from a long-distance Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Celtics introduced new guard Anfernee Simons and the Hornets filled out their preseason roster.
Bucks: Antetokounmpo Speaks From COVID Isolation
Unable to attend Monday’s media day after contracting COVID-19 while in Greece, Antetokounmpo joined Milwaukee reporters via Zoom. The two-time MVP said he evaluated his options during the offseason but remains committed to a team he believes can chase another title.
“Every summer there’s some truth in the reports,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be with a group that gives me a real chance to win a championship and compete at the highest level.”
The forward added that his ambition “hasn’t changed in five years” and that the focus now is ending the club’s run of three consecutive first-round playoff exits. “We have to put our heads down all year, get into the postseason and avoid another early elimination,” he said.
Earlier in the day, co-owner Wes Edens told reporters he left a June conversation convinced Antetokounmpo is “all-in” with Milwaukee. Asked about that exchange, the 29-year-old said he didn’t recall the specifics but trusts the roster around him.
Celtics: Simons Ready to Fit Into Winning Environment
Simons, 26, has averaged 20.7 points over the past three seasons while playing mostly for sub-.500 teams. After signing with Boston, he called the move a chance to “join a culture that’s already established.”
The guard acknowledged that his defensive reputation trails his scoring output. “It comes down to whether I want to do it,” he said. “In a culture like this, you have to adapt or you won’t be in the position you want.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla dismissed speculation that only one of Simons or Payton Pritchard can start. “Those two don’t go hand-in-hand. They’re totally different,” he said.
Hornets: Badji Signing Caps 21-Man Camp Group
Charlotte finalized its camp roster Tuesday by re-signing forward DJ Rodman and adding 7-foot center Ibou Badji. According to league sources, Badji’s contract is non-guaranteed under Exhibit 9, with Exhibit 10 language that could allow a conversion to a two-way deal or a G League bonus.
Badji appeared in 22 games for Portland last season and blocked 3.5 shots per contest with the Wisconsin Herd in the G League. His returning rights were dealt to the Greensboro Swarm this summer, positioning him for Charlotte’s development program.
The moves give the Hornets the maximum 21 players for camp while leaving two standard roster spots open heading into preseason.
Source: Hoops Wire
