Q: Ira what are your thoughts on Giannis Antetokounmpo talking about only being here a year or two? Did he mean that? – Bih.
A: This is what happens when a player dares offer impromptu thought, only to have the juicy bits parsed without complete context.
The comment from Giannis Antetokounmpo after Wednesday’s camp session was in regard to bigger-picture, legacy thought, not about his projected Heat tenure or the extension window that opens on Jan. 6.
The question he was asked was:
“Giannis, speaking of Milwaukee, you built a legacy there with the back-to-back MVPs, the championship and the Finals MVP. What’s the standard you’re looking to set for yourself in Miami with each practice, with each interaction you have with the coaches and the players? And . . . what are you looking forward to setting the standard in Miami?”
That was the question.
The answer was:
“Like, it’s kind of hard. You know, I’ve never been a part of something like this. Obviously, Milwaukee Bucks organization had a great history, great players play before me. But here is a whole different story.We’ve won a lot of championships – all-time great players from D-Wade, LeBron, Chris Bosh, Alonzo Mourning, Shaq. You go down the line.
“But I just want to leave my mark. I just want to leave my mark, man. I want to know when this chapter is over, if I’m going to be here for a year or two or whatever it’s going to be, I want to leave my mark. I want to know that I have a great relationship with my coaches, my teammates, with the fans. That’s all.
“I think I did it in the team that I played before. And I hope I can do it here too.”
That was the complete answer.
And note the “or whatever it’s going to be” phrasing about the possible length of his Heat tenure.
Such is the social-media world we live in, where the juicy bits get the play.
What you are going to wind up with is players less open to candid, impromptu conversation.
This was not a gotcha moment.
This was not sending a message.
This was a question and an answer.
Exhale.
Q: Is it really such a good idea to go full throttle on the first days of camp? Several of these players have a significant injury history, and it’s a long season. – Andrew.
A; But there also is the matter of ingraining so many newcomers into the Heat’s way of doing things. Typically the Heat push early and then tamp down as the preseason progresses. Basically, by making it clear they will go hard at the start of camp, it forces players to arrive ready, rather than having to work their way into shape. Plus, with the East expected to be so competitive, the early-season games could count as much as any late-season showdowns. Eventually, Erik Spoelstra will back off, as he has for years.
Q: Why spend so much time about an arena announcer? – Theo.
A: Because the Heat for years have sold their product as extending beyond the court, from the Vice uniforms to the game presentations to the unique approach with their public-address announcer. Even if you watch at home, the ambiance of the arena experience comes through. So if the public-address announcer is changed for the first time in 36 years, enough will take note, therefore requiring the need to make note.