The Bucks will play exhibition games in Abu Dhabi against the Hawks on Thursday and Saturday, and while the trip was “already controversial due to the country’s human rights violations," the teams "also are flying over just after a truce between UAE and neighboring Yemen expired on Sunday,” according to Jim Owczarski of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Asked about the safety of the Bucks, Hawks and their traveling parties already in Abu Dhabi and en route to the UAE, NBA EVP/Communications Mike Bass said in a statement: “We will continue to work with the relevant U.S. authorities to ensure the safety and security of our players, coaches and traveling parties.” Bucks ownership, coaches and players “have expressed excitement over the trip and sponsors and families are accompanying the team” (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/4).
PACK ACCORDINGLY: The JOURNAL SENTINEL's Owczarski in a separate piece notes for the Bucks, at least “one practice will be open, and the team will be involved in various outreach and public relations events.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Bucks President Peter Feigin have “addressed concerns over the league and team’s presence in the country,” as the U.S. Department of State has noted "has 'significant human rights issues’ and has criminalized the LGBTQ+ community.” Though this trip is long, Bucks co-owner Jamie Dinan said that the "entire ownership group is headed over, along with some sponsors, and head coach Mike Budenholzer said he was surprised to hear near-unanimous support from his staff and players on the trip” (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/4).
CANDY MAN CAN: In Milwaukee, Hannah Kirby writes Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo's "new thing" is Skittles, which he was "definitely bringing to Abu Dhabi." Antetokounmpo shared a video on Twitter yesterday from the plane, “proclaiming his love for the multicolored, fruit-flavored candies." In the video he said, "Can't go nowhere without Skittles" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/4).
