Antetokounmpo Praises Heat Culture After Preseason Debut

Giannis Antetokounmpo praised the Miami Heat’s demanding team environment after joining the franchise, saying its emphasis on togetherness, communication and preparation has made him feel “almost like being alive again.” He also made his preseason debut for Miami, recording nine points, seven assists and four rebounds in 14 minutes as the Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 129-105. Antetokounmpo’s comments describe a change from his years with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he had spent his entire NBA career before moving to Miami. He said Heat players had impressed him with how seriously they approach preparation and with their communication. He recounted a team meeting that included two Navy SEALs speaking about their experiences, followed by players doing pushups. Antetokounmpo said the team’s culture felt real to him and that he enjoyed it. He also described a different offseason routine in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo said former Bucks teammates Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday were not arriving a month early to prepare together. He said the group understood what was expected when the season began, while players generally followed their own routines outside the season.