Milwaukee Bucks' Jason Kidd speaks on benching Giannis Antetokounmpo

Jason Kidd speaks on ‘coaches decision’ to bench Giannis Antetokounmpo

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In Wednesday’s loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Milwaukee Bucks played a closely contested game that lacked the presence of the Buck’s second-leading scorer, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In post-game interviews Jason Kidd gives little reason or clarity towards the situation, saying it was a “coaches decision.”

After practice Thursday night, Kidd offered a few thoughts that are disguised as insight.

"“Change is always healthy,” Kidd said. “I thought the guys who played yesterday (Wednesday) played at a very high level, had a chance to win. This time of the year all the games count.“Some coaches want to disclose why someone (is not playing). You look back, Khris (Middleton) was down, didn’t play. It’s fair to say this isn’t the first time it happened.”"

So you don’t want to disclose why? You have done it before, and it was good game. I still feel none the wiser in regards to why Kidd benched Antetokounmpo. I guess this is why he chose Milwaukee; he wanted control and to be left to his own devices, so to speak.

The result has been a winning season and a playoff berth. I do not believe there is any instability regarding relationships. Players on the team have given insight into a strong sense of veteran leadership and camaraderie with the players.

Antetokounmpo is not rattled and is remaining focused, staying after practice Thursday to do one-on-one sessions with Jared Dudley and Michael Carter-Williams.

"“Hopefully he’s trying to motivate me,” Antetokounmpo said. “Whatever he’s trying to do, he’s doing the right thing.”"

Kidd, when told about what Antetokounmpo said, responded with:

"“…If he (Antetokounmpo) said it’s motivation, that’s great, for him to look at it that way. But for us, it’s the culture, the standards we all stand by, and we all have to abide by them. At the same time, this isn’t just like we did it for a punishment.”"

Business as usual it seems. The unknown workings of this organization continue to expand, but none of this will matter if they can string together a few playoff wins. The young core of this team is strong and the players notice this. After one-on-one sessions Antetokounmpo gushed about Michael Carter-Williams, saying:

"“He loves teamwork,” Antetokounmpo said. “We always have to practice together and play together. We’ve developed a friendship. Before he came to the team I really didn’t know him.“I’m just looking forward to the future.”"

Me too, Giannis, me too.

(via Milwaukee Journal)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Jason Kidd speaks on benching Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Troy Foster | Apr 10, 2015

Jason Kidd speaks on ‘coaches decision’ to bench Giannis Antetokounmpo

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