It looks like a 13-year relationship, that of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, is going to end badly. That’s what happens when couples who have loved each other so much don’t leave in time. Together they won the ring in 2021, the second in the history of the franchise after the one won in 1971 with Lew Alcindor – later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – in the team. The city watched that skinny Greek grow into a colossus who won two MVPs (2019 and 2020). Milestones to remember now in the midst of the storm
The disagreements between the player and the franchise are growing by the day. Trade rumors, which have been around for some time, have not gone away, but they take a back seat to the latest controversy: Giannis, who has missed the last 10 games, says he is ready to play and the Bucks say he is not. In the meantime, the NBA is investigating the case. “If it takes an investigation, let there be one until we know what’s going on. I’ve never seen the case of a player, one of my fucking caliber, who has to come out and publicly say he wants to play. I’ve never seen anything like that,” said the player.
Antetokounmpo has not played since hyperextending his left knee on March 15 in a game against the Pacers. However, before playing against the Celtics he spoke to the press and confessed that he was healthy. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game. I’m available to play today. Right now. To come and tell me not to play, not to go out there and compete, is like a slap in the face. I don’t want to be part of this game,” he said.
To have someone come and tell me not to play, not to go out there and compete, is like a slap in the face
His testimony contrasts with that of the Bucks, who do not give him the green light. According to journalist Shams Charania, the franchise has informed the NBA that it does not believe its star is ready to play and really wants to do so. “You’d have to be an idiot to be able to play with your eight-year-old brother and not want to do it,” Antetokounmpo replied. “He was 11 when I made my NBA debut. I raised him when my father died. Anyone who thinks I don’t want to get on the court and play with him is an idiot,” Antetokounmpo replied.
Do the Bucks let themselves lose?
A few days after suffering the knee hyperextension that has sidelined the player, some sources told Charania that the Bucks wanted him to sit out the rest of the season, even though they still had remote chances of making the playoffs, but that he rejected that option and wanted to return to the court this season. The players’ union (NBPA) has even accused the team of deliberately losing and damaging the integrity of the competition.
My brother was 11 years old when I made my NBA debut. I raised him when my father died. Anyone who thinks I don’t want to go out on the court and play with him is an idiot
Antetokounmpo has confessed that he had conversations with coach Doc Rivers and general manager Jon Horst to play again, but has not heard from them for some time. “The hardest part of all this is that I’m in the middle of it all and I have nothing to do with it. The coaches don’t decide any of this. There are two sides to this, but I don’t want to get too involved,” says the coach, throwing the ball out.
Antetokounmpo, 31, has been hit hard by injuries this season. He has suffered two calf strains, an adductor strain and a hyperextended knee that have seen him play just 36 games, the fewest of his NBA career.Amid trade rumors, he is earning $54.1 million this season. A summer is coming in which his name will once again be one of the most talked about in the market. He has one more year left on his contract in exchange for $58.4 million, but whoever wants him should know that he can be a free agent in 2027 if he does not exercise his player option for the 27-28 campaign for $62.7 million. Given that the relationship is going downhill, it is unlikely that he will fulfill them in Milwaukee.
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