The Milwaukee Bucks are balancing on the edge. Giannis Antetokounmpo is here, but the trade rumors won’t stop. Conversations with the New York Knicks could develop even going into the season. But the Greek Freak isn’t worried about any distractions. He’s committed to the Bucks, and in that regard, doesn’t want them to worry about him lashing out.

The two-time appeared in his first preseason game against the Bulls after recovering from an illness. And Antetokounmpo took the chance to clarify his devotion to the Bucks. “I try not to whine and say, “Oh, I feel this way. I feel that way. I’m out of shape. I’m out of that”. Why would I say that if in two days I’m going to dress up and uh play? So, there’s no reason for me to complain or even think that,” he said in the postgame presser.

Antetokounmpo referred to his physical health. But his strong words also indicated his belief in the Bucks. He’s previously claimed to be “locked in”. The Bucks forward is prepared to follow up on that promise this season. For him, staying healthy is the priority so that the Bucks can remain competitive in the East. And while Antetokounmpo did lose his point guard, he is even willing to take on that role.

Speaking about his new teammate, Myles Turner, Antetokounmpo revealed how he will make the game easier for him. “You know, when I draw it out of attention, I think he’s going to be able to create uh I’m going to be able to create a lot of open shots, open looks for him. And uh it’s either he’s going, you know, shoot them or he’s going to turn them down and go the second side and create the second action with advantage for the guard, you know,” he added.

But it isn’t a one-way street. As much as Giannis Antetokounmpo makes Turner’s life easy, the other way is just as true.

Doc Rivers is in awe of Myles Turner

Initially, when the Bucks announced Turner’s signing, Antetokounmpo wasn’t confronted. Reports emerged that he was upset about the organization waiving Damian Lillard. But in just one game together, the Greek Freak already notices what the former Pacers center brings to the table. At Indiana, he played selfless basketball, helping them reach the Finals.

That doesn’t just make Turner a model teammate. He also knows what it takes to win.

“He’s a threat from out there in the three-point line. Creates incredible spacing for us… Um, just his voice is incredible. I think in every possession he’s always talking to everybody, talking to me, talking to Scoot, talking to GT, talking to AJ, you know, and that comes from being around winning coach for a lot of years,” he said of Turner.

Head coach Doc Rivers feels even more blessed to have Myles Turner. After losing Brook Lopez, his floor spacing abilities have provided the Bucks with a blueprint. In Rivers’ eyes, nobody is better suited to play beside his cornerstone than Turner. “He’s just a smart player. Uh again, you don’t know that until you have a guy. Um he’s going to be great for this team,” said Rivers.

In essence, Turner replaces the role that Lopez provided to the Bucks. The advantage in his favor is that he’s young. Myles Turner will be a pivotal part of the offense, with greater usage when compared with his stint with Indiana. It’s his chance to stamp himself as one of the best two-way centers in the league.

And it’s gotten off to an amazing start.