Hoopz Afrik wrote:Masai Ujiri and Giannis have a strong connection based on some of the reports I've read so if anything, we may see a Giannis and Pascal duo (Naija and Cameroon are neighbors too).
I think there are several teams with more of a connection to Antetokounmpo than the Raptors.
1. Orlando - John Hammond drafted Antetokounmpo, oversaw his assimilation into life in the United States and the NBA, and got his family into the country.
2. Milwaukee - Milwaukee has been home for he and his family for seven years. The Bucks built a winning team around him and provided a platform for him to win (presumably) two MVP's by the age of 25. They have led the league in wins two consecutive seasons and have been championship contenders two consecutive seasons. The Bucks have a top GM, a top coach, a new arena and practice facility, and a top roster.
3. Los Angeles Lakers - Jason Kidd was the head coach that developed him from a bench player to an All-Star.
4. Detroit - Assistant coach Sean Sweeney was his constant workout companion during Antetokounmpo's formative years in the NBA. Additionally, he has often referred to Thon Maker as "my brother".
No other NBA team has had an enduring day-to-day relationship with Antetokounmpo like those described above. Giannis has casual relationships with others in the NBA, but those relationships are based on sporadic interactions, that would seem to be less significant than these other professional relationships based on thousands of hours of working together.