Speaking at the Media Day on Monday, Janice Antecumba said he is “in a very, very good place” as he prepares for his first season with the Heataccording to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chung of The Miami Herald (subscription required). He admitted it’s “still weird” adjusting to a new environment after 13 years in Milwaukee, but he described Miami as “a culture that fits my personality.”
“I thrive when I’m uncomfortable…I thrive when I work” Adetakumba said. “The goal is to win a championship. So many players that have played here have been successful. I want to be a part of that. Hopefully I’ll leave my mark on this organization. Three, five, 10 years from now, I want (to know) that I made the right decision (to join the Heat).”
Injuries limited Antecum to 36 games last season, and despite making his 10th straight All-Star Game, he didn’t play enough to claim MVP honors, finishing outside the top four in voting for the first time in eight years. Asked Monday if he considers himself the best player in the world, Antetokounmpo answered with a qualifier.
“Yes. If not the best, I’m one of the best players in the world.” he said. “…The best player is the one who helps his team make the playoffs and win the championship. I don’t care about being the best. I care about being a winner … the best team in the NBA right now is the Knicks.”
There’s more from Miami, all from Jackson and Chung:
- Antetukumpa and Bam Adebayo appeared together in the media and they talked about the possibility of teaming up after fighting each other for so long. Adebayo said great players “push each other and make each other better,” and Antetokounmpo echoed the same sentiment. “Fire meets fire” he said. “If I was guarding Bam every day in practice going against any player in the league, it would be a lot harder. It goes both ways. That competitive spirit, we’ve got to keep activating it. We’ve got to keep pushing each other and leading by example.”
- coach Erik Spoelstra discussed overhauling the roster in the offseason, saying “It felt like it was time to try something new.” He added that Antecumba is “here for a reason” and said he won’t have to “reinvent” the offense for the new players to fit into it. “We want him to be the best player in the league.” Spoelstra said. “We’re not bringing him here to take a step back. “May we add? Not add to his game? The environment, the style of play, the feeling in the locker room — can that bring out another level in him that will lead to a lot of improvement in the locker room.”
- Spoelstra also addressed the addition of free agency Klay Thompsonwhich unites with Andrew Wiggins after they won the championship with Golden State in 2022. “They shared something strange and beautiful that we’re trying to convey here.” Spoelstra said. “What Klay has done in this league should be celebrated in our locker room, which it is. He can be excited about this opportunity to get a new experience.”
