East Notes: Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Celtics, Anfernee Simons, Hornets

Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t physically present at media day on Monday — a case of COVID kept him in Greece — but that didn’t stop him from addressing Milwaukee reporters over Zoom.

The two-time MVP reiterated that he weighed his options during the offseason but ultimately remains focused on contending with the Bucks.

“Guys, every summer there’s truth to every report,” Antetokounmpo said, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jim Owczarski. “The same thing I’ve been saying my whole career — I want to be on a team that allows me, gives me a chance to win a championship and wants to compete at a high level.”

He added that mindset hasn’t changed over the years.

“I had the same thoughts last year, two years ago, five years ago… I want to be among the best, I want to compete with the best, and I want to win another championship and that’s it,” he said.

Bucks co-owner Wes Edens said earlier Monday he had a “great conversation” with Giannis in June and came away convinced he’s committed to Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo didn’t remember that exact discussion but expressed faith in his teammates, saying the focus must shift to performance after three straight first-round exits.

“We just gotta put our butts down, put our heads down and stay locked in the whole year long,” he said. “Hopefully get in the playoffs and then don’t get eliminated in the first round. That’s pretty much it.”

Celtics

Anfernee Simons has played on losing teams for most of his career, but that changes now. After signing with Boston, the 26-year-old guard said he’s eager to be part of an established winning culture.

“I was super excited to come here and join a culture that’s already been set,” Simons said, per the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn. “It’s something that’s going to help my career out tremendously, playing at the highest level of winning basketball.”

Simons, who’s averaged 20.7 points over the last three seasons, knows the big question is defense.

“It’s a matter of if I want to do it or not; it’s really that simple,” he said. “Coming into a culture like this you really have to be able to adapt or you’re not going to be in the position you want to be. I’ve got to do the work of getting better at that end.”

As for his role, head coach Joe Mazzulla shut down the notion that only one of Simons or Payton Pritchard will start.

“I’ll nip that in the bud immediately,” Mazzulla told reporters. “Those two don’t go hand-in-hand. They’re completely different.”

Hornets

Charlotte rounded out its training camp roster on Tuesday, officially bringing back DJ Rodman and signing center Ibou Badji.

Badji’s deal is expected to be non-guaranteed with Exhibit 9 language, and potentially Exhibit 10, which would allow it to be converted to a two-way contract or give him a bonus if he reports to the G League.

The 7-footer from Senegal played 22 NBA games with Portland in 2023/24 and impressed in the G League with 3.5 blocks per game for the Wisconsin Herd. His returning rights were traded to the Greensboro Swarm this summer, making him a natural fit for Charlotte’s developmental pipeline.

The Hornets now have a full 21-man camp roster with two open standard roster spots.