Former Milwaukee Bucks center Miroslav Raduljica recently admitted he failed to recognize Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential during their time together. The Bucks' current focus is on development after a 126-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 12, part of a recent run of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five games.
Speaking on the Ozbiljno Neozbiljni podcast, Raduljica was candid about his early assessment. He said he saw nothing special in the young Antetokounmpo. The former Bucks center clarified he meant no disrespect, immediately praising Giannis's incredible work ethic.
"Well, I mean, how could you tell something like that?" Raduljica said. "He had a strong work ethic and listened to everything they told him. They can turn almost anyone into what they want them to be." He emphasized the organization's development plan, suggesting they are right 99 percent of the time.
Raduljica elaborated on his view of talent. "I don't think Giannis is some extraordinary basketball talent. But he has a talent for hard work, which is actually even more important," he added. This ability to listen and be molded, according to Raduljica, is what allowed Antetokounmpo to become the dominant force he is today.
The current Bucks roster is handling a challenging period. Their most recent outing was a 126-106 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 12. That loss came right after a strong 125-108 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on April 11.
The team's form has been inconsistent. Their last five games show a pattern of wins and losses: LWLLW. This sequence includes a tough 137-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 8 and a narrow 96-90 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets on April 7. They did manage a 131-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 5. Fans can track the upcoming schedule on the team's schedule page.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo now departed, attention has shifted to new potential. Analyst Greg Swartz has identified young center Kel'el Ware as the franchise's next best chance at star power. Swartz believes the 22-year-old needs to be completely unleashed on a Bucks team in desperate need of a new face.
Ware is a true 7-footer with a massive wingspan and what Swartz calls unlimited potential. The analyst argues Ware needs to start either ahead of or alongside Myles Turner. In his 34 starts last season, Ware averaged a double-double with 12.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
He also contributed 1.2 blocks per game. His shooting splits were impressive: 52.9 percent from the field, 40.9 percent from three-point range, and 75.4 percent from the free-throw line. This production suggests a versatile big man who can space the floor.
Swartz pointed to Ryan Rollins's surprise breakout role last season as a precedent. The Bucks are hoping Ware can follow a similar path and become a cornerstone for the franchise's future. Developing this kind of internal talent is key for any NBA team's long-term success.
The story of Giannis Antetokounmpo serves as a sign that development isn't always predictable. Raduljica's honest reflection highlights how even professionals can miss a superstar in the making. For the current Bucks, the hope is that Kel'el Ware's development curve surprises people in a positive way, helping to steer the team back to consistent winning basketball.
