Antetokounmpo demands to play in Bucks injury dispute
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly insisted Friday he is healthy and available to play, despite the team holding him out for a 10th straight game against the Boston Celtics. Antetokounmpo said he wants to "f---ing play" and called for an investigation into his benching. The outburst came after the Bucks' 133-101 loss to Boston.
Antetokounmpo has not played since March 15 against the Indiana Pacers, when the Bucks were still in playoff contention. The team lists his injuries as a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. He has warmed up with the team without showing obvious limitations but remains sidelined.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers responded after the game, saying coaches do not decide injury returns and expressing displeasure that the disagreement went public. Multiple reports state the NBA has investigated the Bucks' handling of Antetokounmpo's status, with the team telling the league he is not ready to return. The National Basketball Players Association issued a statement last month criticizing lax enforcement of anti-tanking rules under the player participation policy.
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship and has faced trade rumors over the past year. He becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million contract extension in October and could reach free agency after the 2026-27 season. He described his relationship with the franchise by saying the sides need "couples therapy."
