“Giannis and I have a great relationship. Great communication so far. He’s been so welcoming to me.”
New Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins on his communication with Giannis Antetokounmpo 🙌
(via @SiriusXMNBA)
Getty
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks got great news after hiring new head coach Taylor Jenkins. According to Jenkins, he has already built a great relationship with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo since being hired by the team.
Jenkins has communicated with the Greek Freak over the past few days, which, he said, re-established their relationship and aligned their goals with the Bucks’ next season.
“Giannis and I have a great relationship, great communication so far, he’s been so welcoming to me,” Jenkins, a former Bucks assistant coach in the 2018-2019 NBA season. said.
“Giannis and I have a great relationship. Great communication so far. He’s been so welcoming to me.”
New Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins on his communication with Giannis Antetokounmpo 🙌
(via @SiriusXMNBA)
That one year with the Bucks laid the foundation for his relationship with Antetokounmpo, who won the MVP award in 2019.
“A lot of our communication has just been about re-establishing that relationship. Obviously, I was in Milwaukee for only a year, so now it’s kind of building on that respect that we had for each other for the last seven years, and kind of just talking about this opportunity to come back to Milwaukee,” he added.
Jenkins is coming off a six-year run as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, which saw the team go past the first round of the playoffs once.
Jenkins replaced Doc Rivers, who had handled the Bucks since 2023, up to his resignation at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
Establishing a connection with Giannis is seen as a strategic and pivotal move not just for Jenkins but also for the Bucks organization.
Over the past season, Giannis has been a constant figure in trade rumors as his displeasure with the team had become apparent throughout the season.
This past season, the Bucks struggled to be competitive, finishing with a 32-50 record and missing the playoffs. Over the past two seasons, the team lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Giannis only played 36 games after sustaining multiple knee injuries in the season. When he plays, Giannis remains one of the best players on the court, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been pleased about the Bucks’ hiring of Taylor Jenkins. In his interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Greek Freak explains what the Bucks are getting with Jenkins.
“I think he’s an incredible person,” Giannis said of Jenkins. “Obviously, he’s an incredible coach. I was able to be with him in 2019 and we made the Eastern Conference finals.”
“I don’t think Milwaukee is just getting just a good coach, I think they’re getting a good person. And that’s where it starts with. Having a good person around that’s gonna be able to set the tone, that set the culture and what Milwaukee Bucks basketball is all about. He’s a really good coach.”
Giannis’ future with the Bucks remains uncertain this offseason. In the same interview, Giannis insinuated that nothing is set in stone yet for next season with the Bucks.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drives the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Regardless of Giannis’ decision, the Bucks are expected to be aggressive in restructuring their roster in the offseason.
They will have nine potential free agents from their current roster, including those with player options and restricted free agents.
The Bucks have been pressured to pair Giannis with a star in the coming season, especially after fumbling last year with the release of Damian Lillard.
Rob Andrew Lo Rob Andrew Lo is a writer at Heavy Sports and is covering the NBA. He has covered local, collegiate, professional and international sports in various sites. He was the sports editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of University of Santo Tomas, and a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle writer for Rappler. A Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has built his voice across both collegiate and international platforms, previously contributing NBA coverage to Fansided and Sportskeeda. More about Rob Andrew Lo
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