The National Basketball Players Association criticized the Bucks over their disagreement with Giannis Antetokounmpo, suggesting that Milwaukee is “tanking” and harming the NBA’s integrity by seeking to sideline the star forward for the remainder of the season.
Last week, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania that Antetokounmpo rejected the Bucks’ request for him to sit out the rest of the season. The two-time NBA MVP has remained resolute about returning to the court this season, believing he is not risking any further injury, sources told ESPN.
In a statement Tuesday, the players’ association cited the NBA’s anti-tanking rules, additionally asserting that Antetokounmpo is “healthy and ready to play.”
“The Player Participation Policy was formulated by the league to ensure teams are accountable and to guarantee that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is fit and prepared to compete, he is on the court,” the union declared in its release. “Regrettably, 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 operates without oversight. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on significant new proposals that will directly address and deter tanking.”
Last week, the Bucks disclosed that Antetokounmpo would be benched due to a left knee ailment, marking the most recent health setback in a season marred by injuries for the 10-time All-Star. Milwaukee did not offer a specific schedule for Antetokounmpo’s return, but sources informed Charania that he would miss at least a week because of a hyperextension and a bone contusion in the knee.
Antetokounmpo, 31, landed awkwardly after a slam dunk during the third quarter of Milwaukee’s game against the Indiana Pacers on March 15. Although he felt capable of playing through the injury, the Bucks sat him for the remainder of the contest.
Milwaukee (29-42) holds the 11th position in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Charlotte Hornets by eight games for 10th place and the final spot in the play-in tournament.
Antetokounmpo has been absent for 35 games this season, the most of his career. The Bucks’ record stands at 12-23 without Antetokounmpo in the lineup this season and 17-19 with his participation.
As the Bucks’ prospects for a 10th consecutive playoff berth appear progressively dim, head coach Doc Rivers was asked last week whether the dangers of Antetokounmpo sustaining injury outweigh the potential benefits of putting him back on the floor.
“That presents a valid inquiry,” Rivers responded. “While I lack a definitive response, it is indeed a profound question.”
Jamal Collier of ESPN and The Associated Press supplied material for this article.