Sports Time Radio

We had our first upset in the NBA playoffs as the 5th seeded Miami Heat beat the Eastern Conference’s #1 seed the Milwaukee Bucks four games to one in the conference semi-final match up.

Now I don’t think anyone ended up being surprised by the Heat winning this series. Since they took a three games to none lead it seemed pretty clear that they’d end up sending Milwaukee home. What might be the surprising part of this series win was just how easy the Heat made it look.

Now the first round playoff match ups rarely have series upsets. Sure ever now and then and 8th seed will win a game in a series against the #1 seed, but then thing get back to how it should be and that #1 seed rolls though the 8th seed. Now in the second round then have been more upsets, but it’s been since a 5th seed has beaten a #1 seed in a playoff series.

Miami used a balanced attack last night as six players scored in double figures in their 103-94 win. Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic each scored 17 points to lead Miami in scoring. Jae Crowder added 16 points and Bam Adebayo was the other starter in double figures with 13 points. Tyler Herro added 14 points off the bench while Kelly Olynyk chipped in 12 points while also coming off the bench. Butler also grabbed 10 rebounds to make his night a double-double. Butler and Herro each handed out 6 assists to tie for the team lead there.

Now the Bucks where in a hole to start as they where playing without one of the best players in the NBA in Giannis Antetokounmpo who was out with an ankle injury.

Without Antetokounmpo it was Kris Middleton who led the Bucks in scoring with 23 points. Donte DiVincenzo scored 17 points while Brook Lopez scored 15 points and grabbed a game high 14 rebounds. Wes Matthews scored 11 points and Marvin Williams came off the bench to score 11 points while Eric Bledsoe handed out a game high 9 assists.

Now as soon as this game was over the talk immediately turned to what Antetokounmpo’s future will be. Now the Bucks can offer Antetokounmpo the super max deal which would be a contract for a total of $220 million dollars. That’s $80 more million dollars more than any other team can offer him. It’s doubtful that he’ turn down a contract of that size to enter free agency, but Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he wants to win and even though the Bucks have been one of the better teams in the eastern Conference the last two seasons they haven’t made it into the NBA Finals. Milwaukee has said that they won’t trade Antetokounmpo, but is it possible that he could force a sign and trade.

While Antetokounmpo has had his struggles in the playoffs during the regular season he’s one of the best players in the NBA. Last season may have been Antetokounmpo’s best; well at least statistically. He averaged 29.5 points per game, 13.6 rebounds per game and 5.6 assists per game while playing just over 30 minutes a game.

Now you’ll hear a lot of talk about the things Antetokounmpo needs to improve on like his free throw shooting and his 3-point shooting, but there isn’t a team in the NBA that wouldn’t want him if the Bucks decide to trade him.

If Milwaukee can’t resign Antetokounmpo and they give in and decide to trade him the questions then become; what could they get for him? and were would he end up?

Right off the bat there was talk that the Golden State Warriors would be the first team n line if Antetokounmpo is made available. Golden State did end up with the 1st pick in the upcoming draft, but could a package including that pick be enough to sway the Bucks to deal one of the best players in the game? I’m not sure if there’s enough on that Golden State roster to get this deal done, but you never know what a team will do with a player that can just walk away in free agency. Would Milwaukee take less in a deal instead of watching Antetokounmpo leave and get nothing in return.

What happens with Antetokounmpo will be the top story heading into the NBA’s off season.

Where do you have Antetokounmpo playing next season? Do you think he’ll take that big money contract and stay in Milwaukee? Or do you have another landing spot in mind for him?

Don’t forget to listen to the Sports Time Radio podcast live on BlogTalkRadio.com. If you miss the live edition of the podcast just head on over to TuneIn.com and you can listen to the podcast any time you want.

I’m also on Twitter if you want to find me there I’m @Burketime