Giannis Antetokounmpo: Winning NBA title amid pandemic will be even harder

There seems to be a consensus growing among NBA players who are returning to action this month at Walt Disney World, and it involves the potential asterisk next to this year's champion.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed the season return in an interview with ESPN's Eric Woodyard, and he believes this year's title won't be as easy to win as everyone thinks it will be.

"I feel like a lot of people say that there's gonna be a star next to this championship," Antetokounmpo said. "I feel like, at the end of the day, this is gonna be the toughest championship you could ever win - because the circumstances are really, really tough right now. So, whoever wants it more is going to be able to go out there and take it."

Antetokounmpo's thoughts echo those of Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers who also said this year's champion should have an asterisk for the title being one of the toughest to win in NBA history. 

The remainder of the NBA season will be grueling at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Players may be out of basketball shape, and the mental strain it'll put on players is going to be difficult by itself.

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka even believes the season resume will be a "mental test" for all involved, especially considering they'll be isolated for over two months away from their families.

The Bucks are the best team in the Eastern Conference, and will have the best opportunity to dethrone the defending champion Toronto Raptors. With a 53-12 record, Milwaukee is rolling towards locking up the top seed in the East. 

All other seeds under the Bucks are up for grabs, but this year's postseason will truly be among the most difficult with all teams trying to make their rest from the time off count.