PHILADELPHIA — Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered harsh criticism toward his team’s management following Sunday’s season-ending defeat in Philadelphia, condemning the organization’s decision to keep him sidelined despite his claims of being ready to return to action.
The two-time MVP, who brought Milwaukee its first championship in 50 years back in 2021, expressed frustration over learning he had no say in whether he could take the court as the Bucks struggled through their final games.
Trade rumors swirled around Antetokounmpo before the deadline, though no deal materialized. Since then, he has been locked in disagreement with team officials regarding his health status.
The 31-year-old star hasn’t seen game action since suffering an awkward landing following a dunk on March 15. While Antetokounmpo maintained he felt ready to compete in recent weeks, Milwaukee continued listing him as unavailable due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise.
Sunday’s matchup in Philadelphia marked another missed game for Antetokounmpo, and potentially the final contest for legendary coach Doc Rivers as well.
“Being cleared to play, I don’t understand. I’ve never in my life denied participation in practice,” Antetokounmpo said. “Whoever came up with that is disrespectful towards what I’ve done for this team and the way I carry myself.
“I did what I was supposed to do. I wasn’t able to come on the court now. Who has that say? It comes from above. I thought I had control. OK, if I’m healthy, I’m going to play. This just shows me that not just me, players in general, don’t have no control. No, I didn’t feel like I had control.”
During recent pregame routines, Antetokounmpo appeared to move without any limitations, showing no visible signs of his injury.
“It was draining for me, for sure,” Antetokounmpo said. “If it was draining for me, it was definitely draining for me and the organization.”
The frustrated star mentioned plans to silence his phone and distance himself from the chaos that marked his season’s conclusion.
Milwaukee faces a crossroads this offseason, with options including trading their franchise player or offering him a massive four-year, $275 million contract extension come October.
Antetokounmpo confirmed he hasn’t received a formal extension proposal yet, which isn’t surprising given the months-long timeline required.
“That’s too far away. It’s something I have to sit down with my family and see what’s best for me, what’s best for my family,” Antetokounmpo said. “Money doesn’t mean nothing do me. Zero. Absolutely zero. What means something to me, it’s winning.”
The Bucks’ disappointing 32-50 record has put Rivers’ future in question, ending a remarkable nine-year playoff appearance streak.
Rivers spoke positively about his connection with Antetokounmpo, describing regular conversations about skill development and game improvement.
“I just want to see it end well for him and for the franchise. I think they both deserve it,” Rivers said. “Giannis is a fantastic person. I’ve been lucky to coach a lot of stars, and he’s right at the top as far as good people. I want good people to be taken care of.”
Milwaukee advanced to the Eastern Conference finals during Antetokounmpo’s initial MVP campaign in 2019, breaking an 18-year drought without a playoff series victory. Their championship followed two seasons later, but they haven’t captured a playoff series since 2022.
“We’re the furthest away we’ve been,” Antetokounmpo said. “I didn’t think we were going to be in this position last year, so I don’t know what position we will be in next year.”
