Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is once again in the spotlight as the NBA investigates his injury status after reports the two-time MVP could be shut down for the rest of the season.
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Antetokounmpo has not played since mid-March and was considered a game-time decision for Saturday’s loss to Boston before eventually being ruled out.
The Greek Freak hyperextended his left knee against the Pacers last month and while the Bucks do not believe he is healthy enough to suit up, Antetokounmpo provided a different account when speaking to reporters on Saturday.
“You know who you are dealing with,” Antetokounmpo said in an interview with reporters, including The Athletic, before Saturday’s loss against the Boston Celtics.
“So for somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”
It comes as ESPN reported that the NBA is investigating the Bucks for their handling of the player participation policy and potential inconsistent statements on Antetokounmpo’s health.
According to ESPN, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have told league investigators different stories.
Consistent with what Antetokounmpo told reporters, he is said to have informed both the Bucks and the NBA that he wants to play but claimed the team has not cleared him.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, is said to have told the league it believes Antetokounmpo is not ready and doesn’t actually want to play.
“I’ve never seen a case of a player saying, my calibre of player, that’s like — I’m saying it publicly — I want to f***ing play. You know what I’m saying?” Antetokounmpo said.
“I don’t think I’ve seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don’t know. There should be. Until we figure something out.”
It has been a frustrating season for Antetokounmpo, with the Bucks struggling on the court despite swinging for the fences by signing Myles Turner in free agency.
Only adding to the tension has been multiple reports that Antetokounmpo is closer than ever before to wanting out of Milwaukee.
The Bucks reportedly considered trading him before this year’s deadline before deciding to wait until the summer, when there could be more suitors and hence better offers on the table.
Antetokounmpo, who delivered Milwaukee a championship in 2021, wants to contend for a title again but at this stage looks unlikely to do that with the Bucks.