Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed frustration Friday over the Milwaukee Bucks’ management of his availability following a left knee injury. “For somebody to come and tell me to not play or do not compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” the 31-year-old forward said.
The Bucks star emphasized that he feels ready to return, stating, “I’m healthy, man, and I just hate when people force me to do things against my nature. I was born to play basketball. I love to play basketball. I get paid to play basketball.” Antetokounmpo highlighted his rehabilitation efforts, explaining, “You guys have seen me warming up. You guys see me working out. I’ve played with the team, one-on-one, practiced, I’ve done pretty much everything.”
Antetokounmpo criticized reports suggesting he doesn’t want to play, adding, “If anybody out there thinks… I don’t want to play with my brother, you’re an idiot. I want to play with my brother, and I get an opportunity to do so.” He referenced his long NBA career and past injuries, saying, “I’ve been through majority of these protocols… So for them telling me that yeah, two weeks… Come on, man. Get your ass out. Come on. What else? I’m available to play today. Right now, I’m available.”
The tension comes amid the Bucks’ struggles this season, with the team eliminated from playoff contention at 30-47. Antetokounmpo acknowledged the franchise’s perspective on managing minutes, saying, “I understand if I couldn’t perform. But they got to do the job. They can’t even be in the middle, man.”
Sources told ESPN the NBA is investigating the Bucks’ handling of Antetokounmpo’s return, noting conflicting statements. Milwaukee reportedly told the league they do not believe Giannis is ready, while the player said he is healthy but being blocked from playing. The dispute follows a year of friction that included failed trade talks last August and at the February deadline.
Despite the ongoing dispute, Antetokounmpo emphasized his competitive nature, stating, “I never wave the white flag. Good or bad, injury, no injury, win, lose… it doesn’t matter. This is my nature.” He concluded by calling for resolution, saying, “We got six games left… Find a solution together. I want to play basketball.”
