The National Basketball Association has launched an investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks regarding their management of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to reports from The Athletic and ESPN released Friday.
The controversy centers around a disagreement between Antetokounmpo, who insists he’s physically ready to compete, and the Bucks organization, which claims he remains injured and has benched him for the last 10 contests.
Speaking before Milwaukee’s 133-101 defeat to the Boston Celtics on Friday, Antetokounmpo expressed his frustration with the situation.
“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game. I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available. Do I look like I’m not available? … I don’t see myself in the first 12. I don’t see myself in the starting lineup,” Antetokounmpo stated.
“I don’t know what game is being played right here, I just don’t wanna be a part of it,” he added.
The star forward hasn’t appeared in a game since March 15, when he suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise during Milwaukee’s win against the Indiana Pacers. Team officials continue to maintain that Antetokounmpo isn’t medically cleared for game action.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers found himself caught in the middle of the controversy following Friday’s loss.
“The tough part of all this is I’m in the middle and I have nothing to do with it. Coaches don’t decide any of this but the problem with our league is the coaches are the ones sitting out front. We have to sit here and answer this stuff. And I think there are two sides to this, I will tell you that. But I don’t want to get too involved in it,” Rivers explained.
Earlier this week, the National Basketball Players Association issued a sharp rebuke of the Bucks’ approach to handling the two-time league MVP.
“The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court,” the union declared. “Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership goes unchecked. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking.”
Rivers responded to the players’ union criticism on Wednesday, defending the team’s medical assessment.
“He’s just not healthy. He’s progressing. … We’re just trying to get Giannis clear and healthy. That’s our only focus. All the other stuff, we stay above,” Rivers said.
Without their franchise player, Milwaukee has struggled significantly, dropping eight of their last 10 games. The team now sits at 30-47 for the season, officially eliminated from playoff contention. Their current record ranks as the 10th-worst in the NBA, positioning them for just a 3% probability of securing the top overall draft selection.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo has posted averages of 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists across 36 games this season. Over his 13-year NBA career, the 10-time All-Star has maintained averages of 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
