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GM Jon Horst Vows Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo synergy 1 Apr 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sits on the bench with a calf injury in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

GM Jon Horst Vows Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo synergy

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 4:24 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirmed Monday that his goal is to capture a second championship, and the Milwaukee Bucks view the upcoming season as their chance to capitalize on a weakened Eastern Conference with the Pacers and Celtics missing their stars. General manager Jon Horst has reshaped the roster around Antetokounmpo, confident that this version of the team has the depth and firepower to contend for a title.

During media day, Horst emphasized that the roster was built to highlight Antetokounmpo’s strengths on the floor, adding that he also believes Antetokounmpo’s unique skill set elevates the group around him. ESPN’s Jamal Collier captured his words.

“This team is built to maximize Giannis, but Giannis can actually maximize this team. This is a team that is really hungry to earn whatever we get, and they want to deserve to win. And that’s going to be our style of play, that’s going to be playing together, and that’s going to feature the best player in the world, and Giannis and a bunch of guys that fit him really, really well,” the Bucks GM remarked.

Earlier this month, Antetokounmpo guided Team Greece to a bronze medal at the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament, sharing the court with his two brothers in what he described as the greatest basketball achievement of his life.

In the bronze-medal matchup, he poured in 30 points on 9-of-11 shooting, along with 17 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks.

Will the Bucks overhaul be a success?

GM Jon Horst Vows Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo synergy 2 Jan 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst address the media after head coach Adrian Griffin (not pictured) was dismissed at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Bucks secured Myles Turner as their top free agent addition to bolster their championship aspirations, counting on him to serve as their second-best player for the next four seasons. For that to happen, Turner will need to raise his level of play significantly compared to his showing in the NBA Finals, where he turned in some of the poorest performances of his career under the brightest lights.

Horst knows the Bucks must deliver this season if they want to secure Antetokounmpo’s long-term commitment. With one of the NBA’s best players on their roster, keeping him is non-negotiable.

Bucks' roster moves voted biggest surprise of offseason 2 Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) fight for the ball during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Failure to advance beyond the first round could trigger major changes, putting Horst and head coach Doc Rivers at risk despite Horst’s recent extension.

The trade deadline will draw heavy attention to this team, with their play leading up to it shaping the narrative.

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

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