MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo is looking forward to playing with his new Milwaukee Bucks teammates, but he is uncertain about when he will return to the court.
On Wednesday, Antetokounmpo participated in practice after missing the last six games before the All-Star break due to a strained left calf. However, both he and the team’s coach, Doc Rivers, have not confirmed if he will be able to compete on Thursday when the Bucks take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
An injury report released by the Bucks indicated that both Antetokounmpo and the seven-time all-NBA guard Damian Lillard, who is dealing with a strained right hamstring, are considered questionable for the upcoming game against the Clippers.
“I’m doing okay,” Antetokounmpo stated. “Am I at 100%? I can’t say for sure. We’ll find out soon enough. I managed to get through practice, and it felt good. Tomorrow will tell if I’m fully ready.”
Antetokounmpo’s last game was on February 2, and he has not yet had the opportunity to play alongside the new team additions—Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jericho Sims—who were acquired around the trade deadline. The Bucks are being careful with Antetokounmpo, especially considering that he missed the entirety of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers last season due to a similar calf issue.
“I felt the same pain that made me uncomfortable before my previous injury,” he remarked.
In the 2023-24 season, Antetokounmpo’s year came to an end during a 104-91 win over the Boston Celtics, in his 79th game. He has noted that his calf had been troubling him even before stepping into that game, emphasizing the importance of taking a more prudent approach this time around.
“I felt it creeping up on me for about a week or two, and I mistakenly thought I could just push through it,” he explained. “But in doing so, I hurt myself. This time, I want to avoid repeating that mistake. It’s essential for me and my team to take the necessary time off to recover fully. There’s no reason to play with hesitation.”
Currently, the Bucks hold a 29-24 record and sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. For them to have a chance at advancing deep into the playoffs, they need a fully healthy Antetokounmpo, particularly as they work to recover from two consecutive first-round playoff exits. The 6-foot-11 forward is currently second in the NBA in scoring, averaging 31.8 points per game, and fifth in rebounds with an average of 12.2.
How the Bucks’ dynamics will change when Antetokounmpo returns to a restructured roster remains uncertain.
The team recently acquired Kuzma in a trade that sent three-time All-Star Khris Middleton and a 2024 first-round pick, AJ Johnson, to the Washington Wizards. Porter joined the Bucks in exchange for MarJon Beauchamp from the Los Angeles Clippers, and Sims was acquired from the New York Knicks in return for Delon Wright.
Antetokounmpo expressed positivity about the recent trades, noting that these changes have made the Bucks less predictable and will allow them to play at a faster pace.
“The team feels incredible right now,” he remarked. “We’re playing at a high tempo, and everyone is giving their all. Defensively, we’re much improved, and we’ve become a bigger squad. I really can’t wait to see how it unfolds.”
Additionally, he reflected on the emotional impact of not having Middleton as a teammate for the first time in his twelve-year career. Both players are ranked first and second in franchise history for games played and minutes logged. Their partnership was significant in leading the Bucks to their first NBA title in half a century during the 2020-21 season.
The outpouring of tributes to Middleton on social media after the trade struck an emotional chord with Antetokounmpo, who had previously referred to Middleton as “my GOAT” in a post that featured moments from their 2021 championship celebration.
“It was definitely challenging,” he confessed. “However, as I’ve stated since the beginning, my focus remains on fulfilling my responsibilities. We have to perform well consistently, and I plan to come in, execute my duties, and contribute to the team’s success. This is bigger than just basketball, and I wish Khris all the best.”
He will get the chance to meet with Middleton soon as the Bucks prepare to face the Wizards in Washington on Friday.
“I’m not shaking his hand, nor will I speak to him, or even look at him. When I see him, I’ll be guarding him full-court, denying him as best as I can,” Antetokounmpo joked. “And you know what? I’m going to hit a three right in his face and celebrate, just kidding.”
