Giannis Antetokounmpo Returns to Bucks After Overcoming COVID-19
Miami – Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Milwaukee Bucks in their training on Saturday, marking his return 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 activities.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 several days of workouts at Florida International University, preparing for their first preseason game against the Heat on Monday.“He says he’ll need a good three days,” Rivers commented.
Doc Rivers, Bucks coach
Antetokounmpo, who will turn 31 in December, is preparing for his thirteenth season, all with Milwaukee. He is a nine-time All-Star, NBA champion, two-time MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and one of only two players who have averaged at least 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, from the current champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, is the other. Rivers suggested that Antetokounmpo’s absence during part of the camp could be advantageous in certain aspects. The Bucks already know the player’s impact. Training without him allows the team to assess what happens in the minutes when he is not on the court.“I think it took its toll on my body. I still don’t feel 100 percent physically,” Antetokounmpo said about the illness. “Taking it day by day, getting back 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 to our team every year is the minutes Giannis is not on the court,” Rivers stated. “So we’ve been working on that. And maybe that will help us in the long run.”
Doc Rivers, Bucks coach
