The Milwaukee Bucks spent the entire offseason praying. Giannis Antetokounmpo felt ready to leave. But loyalty and a few strategic moves from the franchise won the Greek Freak over. At least that’s what it appears to be. What posed as a desire to go has Antetokounmpo now ‘locked in’ for the Bucks. And as they prepare to open their regular season against the Washington Wizards, it’s really no surprise to figure out who’s the most eyes on.

Right before the preseason started, Antetokounmpo suffered from an illness. It prevented him from participating actively during the practice games. He could only return to play the last two, fully cured from his illness. And there’s no doubt the ruthless forward will be fully fit to play against the Wizards tonight.

Giannis Antetokounmpo carries a lot of responsibilities for the Bucks this season. He’s their leader. Although slightly unsettled a few months ago, he is committed to finding success with the team. There isn’t the allure of many stars besides him, but the 2x MVP still believes the Bucks can be “dangerous”.

Much of that danger comes with the Greek Freak. He has averaged 30+ points per game for three consecutive seasons now. Furthermore, with Myles Turner replacing Brook Lopez, the Bucks only lost one game during the preseason. It’s not necessarily a team that captivates fans on paper. But in terms of their product, Doc Rivers and Co. seem to have a blueprint.

They were one of the most efficient three-point shooting teams last season. That’s the identity Rivers is looking to grow in Milwaukee this season. And their first test will be against a team that’s still going through a rebuild.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks can start the season strong, here’s why

The Wizards are starting fresh once again. Heading to Milwaukee, the crowd will pour love for Khris Middleton, a former Buck who aided Antetokounmpo in winning a championship. Aside from that, the Wizards lost their scoring engine with Jordan Poole moving to the Pelicans. So it’s mainly just a team of youngsters looking to develop this season.

The Bucks haven’t had troubles facing them. Last season, they didn’t lose any of their three games. An added positive is that they claimed one win in December without the Greek Freak. Barring that absence, the team’s ace posted a 42-point triple-double in his first game against the Wizards last season.

There’s a great chance another monstrous performance is in store for Antetokounmpo. He spent the preseason trying to heal from a COVID-19-related illness. And with the frustrations of not having won a playoff series in three years, he is a ticking time bomb.

The Bucks are itching for a chance to blow off some steam… Since the summer, which went completely haywire, the community has laughed at the team’s lack of support around Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Bobby Portis and others in the locker room feel that undermining them is the worst mistake. “We are going to surprise a lot of teams this season, and when we fast forward a couple of months from now, they going to be talking different about us,” he said.

How do you think the Bucks will do this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.