Giannis Antetokounmpo Returns to Bucks After Overcoming COVID-19
Miami – Giannis Antetokounmpo, star of the Milwaukee Bucks, joined the team in their practice on Saturday for the first time this season, after missing the first days of training camp due to his recovery from COVID-19 in Greece. Bucks coach Doc Rivers reported that Antetokounmpo only participated in non-contact work.Antetokounmpo arrived in Miami on Friday. The Bucks held media day on Monday, with Antetokounmpo participating remotely, and began training camp in Milwaukee on Tuesday, then traveled to Miami on Thursday for a few days of training at Florida International University, preparing for the first preseason game against the Heat on Monday.“He said it will take a good three days.”
Doc Rivers, Bucks Coach
Antetokounmpo, who will turn 31 in December, is entering his 13th season, all with Milwaukee. He is a nine-time All-Star, NBA champion, two-time MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and is one of only two players who have averaged at least 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons. The other is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the current champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Rivers pointed out that Antetokounmpo’s absence during part of the camp could be advantageous. The Bucks know what he brings to the team. Working without him allows the team to evaluate what happens in the minutes when he is not on the court.“I think it affected my body. I still don’t feel 100 percent physically. I’m taking it day by day, getting in shape. I was able to do some 5-on-0, run a little bit. Tomorrow I’ll be a little better. I have about 18 days until the first game, so I think I’ll be fine.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo
“The key for our team every year is the minutes Giannis is not on the court. So we’ve been working on that. And maybe that will help us in the long run.”
Doc Rivers, Bucks Coach
