Doc Rivers: Giannis Antetokounmpo making strides but still not fully fit
PORTLAND, Ore. — Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers stated on Wednesday that 10-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be unavailable due to a left knee injury that has caused him to miss five games.
“He’s making progress,” Rivers mentioned. “He’s just not fully healthy.”
Antetokounmpo’s situation has been linked to discussions regarding tanking and the player participation policy. The Bucks have suffered 11 losses in their last 14 games, significantly diminishing their playoff prospects.
The National Basketball Players Association released a statement on Tuesday that seemed to address the Bucks directly. This statement followed reports indicating that Antetokounmpo is eager to return.
“The Player Participation Policy was established by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is fit and ready to compete, he is on the court,” the union stated. “Regrettably, anti-tanking measures are only as effective as their implementation; fans, broadcasting partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to be compromised as long as ownership remains unchecked.”
Rivers emphasized before Wednesday night’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers that Antetokounmpo was not being deliberately sidelined. The two-time NBA MVP sustained his knee injury during the third quarter of a game against the Pacers on March 15.
“Our sole focus is to get Giannis cleared and healthy,” Rivers remarked. “We are above all the other distractions.”
The Bucks have lost three of their last four games without Antetokounmpo, who is currently listed as out due to a hyperextension of his left knee and a bone bruise. No timeline has been provided for his return.
