The One Who Gave Us Hope

Hope.

It’s something that Bucks fans didn’t have prior to 2013. There was very little to be excited about, as mediocrity was frequent. The team was rarely good, but rarely horrible. They rarely had a great draft pick, they rarely had a bad draft pick. They had some solid players, but never any superstars.

They were going nowhere.

Then an 18-year-old kid from Greece came along. And hope resurfaced.

It didn’t happen immediately — the team won 15 games in Giannis’ rookie season, their worst season ever. But if you looked closely, you saw flashes. Flashes of hope.

Blocking and dunking on KD in the same game his rookie year. The slam and mean mug against the Knicks in his 2nd season. The plays that made you say “woah.” His tweets about smoothies and interviews saying how dedicated he is to Milwaukee.

This could be the one we had been hoping for.

We never knew just how good he could become or what exactly it would lead to, but we got on the path and followed him anyway.

5 All-Star appearances, 5 All-NBAs, 1 All-Star MVP, 1 MIP, 1 DPOY, 2 MVPs, multiple contract extensions, and countless incredible moments later, and here we are. One win away.

It hasn’t always been easy. There were playoff failures, there were moments his greatness was questioned, and there were times we had to be very patient.

But he’s gotten us here.

In a postseason where he is averaging 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, Giannis is showing us why we followed him. We always wondered what it could lead to, and this is it.

Tens of thousands of people gathering around Fiserv Forum to watch each Bucks playoff game.

People all around the state wearing Bucks gear and saying “Bucks in 6.”

Those who never watched basketball deciding they want to become a fan of the team.

It all is happening because of him.

As we live through this unbelievable time, look back and appreciate the journey. Even the bad times.

The empty Bradley Center games, the bad draft picks, the dumb trades, the heartbreaking losses, the times you almost lost hope. Those moments just make it that much sweeter to be at this point.

As Giannis likes to say, there’s beauty in the struggle.

One win away.