Giannis Antetokounmpo questions relationship with Bucks as NBA investigates team's statements about his health
The situation between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks got even messier on Friday. The team and player have been in a standoff over his current health, with the Bucks reportedly insisting he be shut down and Antetokounmpo claiming he is capable of playing . Antetokounmpo personally aired his grievances on Friday, insisting to reporters he is healthy and questioning his relationship with a team that has already seen multiple rounds of trade rumors.
From Eric Nehm of The Athletic : “You know who you are dealing with,” Antetokounmpo said in an interview with local reporters one hour before Friday’s game against the Boston Celtics. “So for somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.
” “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.
Do I look like I’m not available? ” Antetokounmpo has appeared in only 36 games this season and hasn’t played since March 15, when he sustained a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise . Not long after Antetokounmpo made his statement, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the NBA is investigating the Bucks for their handling of the player participation policy and potential inconsistent statements about Antetokounmpo’s health.
Antetokounmpo added fuel to that fire by saying the team ghosted him when he rebuffed their approach about shutting him down for the season, via The Athletic: “I had an initial conversation with who I should be talking to, which is coach Doc (Rivers) — let’s just keep it at coach Doc and (general manager) Jon (Horst) — and the initial conversation is that I want to play. And after that I’ve never had a conversation again,” Anteotkounmpo said. “Nobody has ever approached me (about) not playing or whatever the plan is.