Giannis Antetokounmpo admits real talk about Myles Turner: ‘I didn’t like him either’ 1 Oct 22, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (22) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo admits real talk about Myles Turner: ‘I didn’t like him either’

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 11:08 AM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo arrived in the NBA in 2013, when the Milwaukee Bucks took him in that year’s NBA draft. Two years later, Myles Turner was drafted by the Indiana Pacers. And for the next 10 seasons, Antetokounmpo and Turner were on the two sides of an NBA rivalry, with the Bucks and the Packers always trying to outdo each other.

But who knew that Antetokounmpo and Turner would one day wear the same uniform? Turner, after coming just a win short of winning an NBA title with the Pacers, joined the Bucks via free agency.

On Wednesday, Turner made his Milwaukee debut, scoring 11 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out five assists in a 133-120 win over the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo had 37 points, 14 boards, and five dimes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo believes chemistry with Turner will take time

“Six months ago he hated me. OK, hate is a very strong word, but I didn’t like him either, Antetokounmpo said about building chemistry with Turner, per Jack Maloney of CBS Sports.

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player knows that it takes time to find that special rhythm on the floor with a new teammate, especially one who is expected to have a considerable role.

“So if I sit here and I say in the second game [we’ve played together] yeah, our communication and our chemistry is incredible, I’m lying. But we have 81 games to get there. I think he’s a high character guy, he’s an incredible leader, he takes feedback and so do I. You communicate something to me, I’ll take it and try to do my best. As long as we’re like that as leaders, it’s gonna happen. It’s a matter of time. And not just me and him, me and the whole team.”

It is a work in progress still for Antetokounmpo and Turner when it comes to strengthening their bond on and off the court, but as the Greek Freak mentioned, there are plenty of games left on the schedule for them to get there. That includes their outing this coming Friday north of the border, as the Bucks play their first road game of the season versus the Toronto Raptors.

Myles Turner's Bucks debut reaction shows how much he loves it in Milwaukee 1 Oct 22, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Turner (3) drives to the basket and dunks it against Washington forward Kyshawn George (18) in the first halfat Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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