The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has expressed its disagreement with the Milwaukee Bucks regarding the situation of Giannis Antetokounmpo, suggesting that the team might be “tanking” and harming the integrity of the NBA by wanting to keep the All-Star off the courts for the rest of the season. According to sources, Antetokounmpo rejected the Bucks’ request not to play anymore this season. The two-time NBA MVP has insisted on returning to the court, believing that he is not at risk of suffering more injuries.
The Bucks announced last week that Antetokounmpo would be out due to a left knee injury, the latest setback in a season marked by injuries for the 10-time All-Star. Milwaukee did not provide a timeline for Antetokounmpo’s return, but sources indicated he would miss at least a week due to a knee hyperextension with a bone bruise. Antetokounmpo, 31 years old, fell awkwardly after a dunk during the third quarter of Milwaukee’s game against the Indiana Pacers on March 15. Although he said he felt he could play despite the injury, the Bucks sat him for the rest of the game. Milwaukee (29-42) is in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, eight games behind the Charlotte Hornets, who are in 10th place and the last spot for the play-in tournament. Antetokounmpo has been absent in 35 games this season, the most of his career. The Bucks have a 12-23 record without Antetokounmpo in the lineup and 17-19 when he plays. Given the increasing unlikelihood of the Bucks achieving their tenth consecutive playoff appearance, coach Doc Rivers was asked last week if the risks of Antetokounmpo getting injured outweigh the potential reward of putting him back on the court. “That’s a good question,” Rivers said. “I don’t have the answer, but it’s a very good question.”The player participation policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court. Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership is not controlled.
NBPA Statement
