Giannis Antetokounmpo must decide which type of legacy he's chasing

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been with the Milwaukee Bucks since being drafted with the 15th overall pick in 2013. Over the past 12 years, he has become one of the most dominant players in the NBA, winning two MVPs in the process.

Antetokounmpo is an unstoppable force in the open court and one of the most underrated drive-and-dish playmakers in the world. When surrounded by high-level talent, he's the type of player who can lead you to a championship. 

Unfortunately for Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo, that hasn't been the case in recent years. Since being crowned champions in 2021, the Bucks have stagnated. They failed to address their aging roster, waited too long to move on from Khris Middleton and totally missed their swing on Damian Lillard. 

Now, for the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo's future looks likely to be away from Milwaukee. 

"The two-time NBA MVP has not made any firm decisions on his Bucks future after the franchise's third consecutive postseason exit in the first round, but, for the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo is open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere, league sources told ESPN," ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Monday.

"Legacy" is a buzzword in the NBA. Every high-level player is focused on how we remember their name or their accolades once they retire. However, the concept of what a legacy is, in NBA terms, is seldom discussed. 

The truth is, there are two kinds of legacy. The first is a legacy within a franchise, usually reserved for lifers who stuck things out through thick and thin. And the second is based on championships, players who won at all costs, regardless of what it took to get there.

You can argue that Antetokounmpo already holds franchise-legacy status with Milwaukee. And while you would be right, if he decides to leave the Bucks this summer, he will undoubtedly dilute that legacy among the fanbase. At that point, he's chasing a legacy built on championships. 

Very few players get to stake a claim for outright legacy in the NBA, the kind of legacy where the player won multiple rings while being a lifer with one team. Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan were the last players to do so. Stephen Curry is up next. Until Monday, it seemed like Antetokounmpo would be next in line, too. He still could be.

Antetokounmpo needs to decide which type of legacy he's chasing. He must make peace with how he wants to be remembered and what's most important to him and his career. Right now, he's on a path reserved for some of the biggest stars in history. Jumping ship now will alter that course.

No one will begrudge Antetokounmpo if he chooses to jump ship. However, before making the decision, he must be sure it's one he can live with because it will follow his career for the rest of time.