Milwaukee City Wire

Giannis Antetokounmpo is hoping familiarity will help give his Milwaukee Bucks the edge they need when it comes to who they want to be this season.

“It's just nice to have the same people around, people that you've won a championship with,” Antetokounmpo told ESPN. “And we try to work harder and get better to win another one. You don't see it very often in the NBA, when you have the same group of people and you just add to it.”

Coming into the new season, the Bucks, who have won at least 50 games over three of the last four seasons, had the highest retention rate across the whole league during the 2022 offseason.

Antetokounmpo and company also have the third highest odds, behind last year’s two Finals team, Boston and Golden State, to win the NBA crown this season, according to Caesars Sportsbook. The win would be their second championship in three seasons.

Along with Antetokounmpo, the Bucks kept their Big 3 in place by also retaining all-purpose point guard Jrue Holiday and sharpshooting forward Khris Middleton, though the latter will have to start the season on sidelines as he is still recovering from a recent wrist surgery.

Middleton may have plenty of company as the Bucks had several players relegated to scout duty during the preseason as they are still recovering from injuries. In addition, BehindtheBuckspass.com reports the team will open the regular season adjusting to a new defensive strategy designed to better guard the three-point line.