NBA probes Bucks following Giannis’ declaration of good health
The NBA is looking into the Milwaukee Bucks regarding their management of the player participation policy and possible discrepancies in statements about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday.
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have provided different accounts to league investigators: Antetokounmpo has communicated to both the Bucks and the NBA that he wishes to play, but the team has not cleared him medically, sources indicated to Charania. Milwaukee has conveyed to the league that it does not believe Antetokounmpo is prepared to play and that he genuinely wants to participate, sources reported.
Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined since hyperextending his left knee against the Pacers on March 15, addressed the media prior to Friday’s 133-101 defeat to the Boston Celtics in Milwaukee, reaffirming that he is fit and ready to compete.
“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo stated to reporters on Friday. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.”
Antetokounmpo missed his 10th consecutive game on Friday night due to the hyperextended knee and a bone bruise. Shortly after the injury, sources informed Charania that the Bucks intended to shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season, but he declined the team’s suggestion and expressed a desire to play again this season.
The National Basketball Players Association criticized the Bucks late last month, issuing a statement suggesting that Milwaukee is “tanking” and undermining the integrity of the league.
The Bucks were eliminated from playoff contention on March 28, marking the first occasion since 2016 that they will not participate in the postseason.
The league has conducted interviews with Antetokounmpo, the Bucks, and team medical staff, sources told ESPN.
“For someone to come and tell me not to play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” Antetokounmpo remarked to reporters on Friday. “So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”
Antetokounmpo, 31, has participated in 36 games this season, the lowest number he has played in any season throughout his career. He has faced two calf strains, an adductor strain, and a knee hyperextension this season.
Since his injury on March 15, Antetokounmpo stated that the Bucks have not approached him regarding a return to play. Coach Doc Rivers mentioned last week that Antetokounmpo had not even practiced. However, prior to home games, Antetokounmpo has been following his regular pregame routine, increasing the intensity of those workouts to make a statement, according to team sources.
The Bucks have five games left in the regular season.
Information from ESPN’s Jamal Collier was utilized in this report.
