NBPA criticizes Bucks regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo issue

The National Basketball Players Association criticized the Bucks regarding their situation with Giannis Antetokounmpo, suggesting that Milwaukee is “tanking” and undermining the integrity of the NBA by seeking to keep the All-Star forward off the court for the remainder of the season.

According to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Shams Charania last week, Antetokounmpo declined the Bucks’ suggestion to sit out the rest of the season. The two-time NBA MVP has consistently expressed his desire to return to play this season, believing he is not at risk of further injury, sources informed ESPN.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the players’ association referenced the NBA’s anti-tanking regulations, asserting that Antetokounmpo is “healthy and ready to play.”

“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 prepared to play, he is on the court,” the union stated. “Regrettably, anti-tanking measures are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to be compromised as long as ownership remains unchecked. We anticipate working with the NBA on significant new proposals that will directly tackle and discourage tanking.”

The Bucks announced last week that Antetokounmpo would be out due to a left knee injury, marking the latest health issue in a season filled with injuries for the 10-time All-Star. Milwaukee did not specify a timeline for Antetokounmpo’s return, but sources informed Charania that he would be sidelined for at least a week due to a hyperextension and a bone bruise in the knee.

Antetokounmpo, 31, landed awkwardly following a dunk during the third quarter of Milwaukee’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers on March 15. Although he believed he could continue playing through the injury, the Bucks opted to keep him out for the remainder of the game.

Milwaukee (29-42) currently occupies 11th place in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Charlotte Hornets by eight games for 10th place and the last position in the play-in tournament.

Antetokounmpo has missed 35 games this season, the highest total of his career. The Bucks have a record of 12-23 without Antetokounmpo in the lineup this season and 17-19 when he is active.

With the Bucks’ prospects for a 10th consecutive playoff appearance appearing increasingly bleak, head coach Doc Rivers was questioned last week about whether the risks of Antetokounmpo sustaining an injury outweigh the potential benefits of having him back on the court.

“That’s a good question,” Rivers replied. “I don’t have the answer, but it’s a very good question.”

ESPN’s Jamal Collier and The Associated Press contributed to this report.