The Milwaukee Bucks are set to kick off their journey in the 2025-26 NBA season when they host the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night. The franchise’s superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has played in several preseason games of the new campaign since his national duties with Greece in the FIBA Euro Championships last month.

Antetokounmpo is a man on a mission. He has been clear with his goals and targets for the team in the upcoming season. The two-time MVP isn’t sitting around, waiting to get paid; instead, he wants to repeat the feat from the 2020-21 NBA season when the Bucks won the NBA championship after half a century.

While the Greek demands nothing but the best from himself and his teammates, the franchise has somehow failed to create a reliable and longstanding roster around its superstar since his debut in 2013.

The Bucks Have Been Cold Towards Their Draft Picks Since 2013

Antetokounmpo was the Bucks’ 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft. Since the Greek was drafted, the franchise has gone 11 consecutive NBA drafts without signing its own picks to a second contract. The last player drafted by the Bucks and given a second contract is the current face of the franchise, Antetokounmpo.

The NBA Central, via the Bucks Lead social media handle, shared a post on X, which read, “The Bucks have now gone 11 consecutive draft classes without signing one of their own picks to a second contract — the last player to do so was Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

While the team signed Antetokounmpo’s brothers, Thanasis and Alex, for the upcoming NBA season to make their star feel at home amid increasing rumors around the possibility of a trade in the near future, the roster was revamped during the offseason to help the Greek power forward contend for the Eastern Conference title.

The following season is going to be crucial for the Bucks, as it could make or break the future of their franchise. Antetokounmpo and the rest of the squad are gearing up to welcome the Wizards and former franchise legend Khris Middleton on opening night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Preparing To Face His Former Teammate on the Opening Night

Antetokounmpo voiced his honest feelings about facing Middleton on Wednesday, the opening night of the new campaign. The Greek PF said, “It’s going to be fun. First and foremost, I think the most important thing is that he should get the warmest possible welcome. When he comes here and watches the tribute video, he has to be in tears before the game even starts.”

He added, “I can’t explain how much Khris means to this team. I can’t explain how much Khris means to me. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play against his team. That’s my guy. My brother for life. We did incredible things together, so I can’t wait to see him get emotional on Wednesday.”

After the Wizards, the Bucks will take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.