Giannis isn't convinced he needs a superteam
When LeBron James took his talents to South Beach in July 2010, it marked the beginning of the superteam era.
While that formula propelled James to four straight finals with the Miami Heat - including back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013 - Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to make his mark a different way.
"You don't have to have a lot of (stars)," Antetokounmpo told Bleacher Report's Howard Beck. "I definitely think that, because I think we have great pieces in this team, and every guy in this team knows what his role is and is having fun and is enjoying his role. And that comes from the coach. You know, if the coach gives you confidence, gives you the green light and tells you what your role is and you accept it as a player, and you're happy with it, that's big for every team. I don't think anybody on this team wants to do more, wants to do less."
His former teammate, Jason Terry, said that Antetokounmpo would "never in a million years" do what James did.
"Giannis, his DNA, his makeup is, he has the ability to carry a team to the championship level himself," Terry said. "I think he's still enjoying the challenge of trying to take on the world's best, like LeBron, head-to-head. Trying to take on guys like KD head-to-head. And he's really enjoying that matchup and embracing it. I mean, he wants to be the best player in the NBA. I've heard him say that on multiple occasions."
Through 27 games this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging a team-high 26.8 points and 13.1 boards per contest (fifth in the NBA).
But Antetokounmpo has more on his mind than personal stats and believes his legacy will take care of itself as long as the Bucks maintain their success.
"Definitely, I want to be one of the best players to ever play the game," Antetokounmpo said. "That's why I play the game, that's why I work hard every day. I don't take days off. But at the end of (the) day, it's all about winning … And I know that if I'm in that mindset - I'm not chasing stats, I'm not chasing individual awards - I know it's going to come. Because I have enough talent, I have great teammates that are going to help me achieve all that stuff by winning."
His play has elevated the Bucks (20-9) into an Eastern Conference contender, as they sit in second - just 1.5 games back of the Toronto Raptors - entering Wednesday's slate.