There’s a long line of players who have waged war against the Boston Celtics over the course of their careers and end up despising the Green Team. However, that list doesn’t seem to include Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The 2-time MVP has great respect for the Celtics, as he’s defeated them in the playoffs before, and vice versa. Rather than developing a hatred for Beantown, Antetokounmpo has expressed his admiration for the historic organization multiple times. For instance, in April he credited Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla for fostering a winning culture this season despite the low expectations that stemmed from Boston superstar Jayson Tatum being sidelined for over 60 games.
Giannis was asked by @LoriNickel if there was a path to return to the Bucks next season.
He said yes and then pointed out that he’d like them to have a winning, tight-knit culture like Joe Mazzulla has established with the Celtics.
Even more Coach of the Year evidence for Joe: https://t.co/PxAHnsnDAppic.twitter.com/ghvb7v2bxa
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 6, 2026
“I talked with coach Joe Mazzulla,” Antetokounmpo told Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I said, ‘You had so many opportunities to make excuses, but you didn’t…It’s about the mentality that you instilled in your place.'”
Antetokounmpo praised the Celtics again this week. Or, more specifically, he complimented the dedicated crowd they have rooting for them at TD Garden.
“I feel like the best arena was Boston,” Antetokounmpo said on a recent Twitch livestream with internet personality Marlon. “Regular games, Boston (fans are) passionate.”
While many wouldn’t give Antetokounmpo’s comments a second thought during a normal offseason, it’s far from a normal offseason. The Bucks center finds himself in trade rumors every day and Milwaukee is hearing offers before the 2026 NBA Draft.
Whether or not a deal gets done remains to be seen, but the Celtics are among the many NBA teams that have checked in on the 31-year-old’s availability. And if the C’s have anything going for them amid the Giannis sweepstakes, it’s that their entire franchise is focused on the one thing Antetokounmpo says he cares about most: winning.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks highly of Celtics fans, TD Garden
