Giannis Antetokounmpo says he had no control over being kept off the court by Bucks
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was angry with the organization for keeping him on the sidelines even though he thought he could play in the final days of the season.
Antetokounmpo has had his ups and downs with the Bucks over the past two seasons due to how the team handled him amid trade rumors and injury concerns. The Bucks said he still isn’t cleared to play after suffering hyperextension and a bone bruise in his left knee when he dunked awkwardly on March 15.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo walks off the court after an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee. (Jeffrey Phelps/AP)
He hasn’t played since and Milwaukee went 4-11 off the bench, including Sunday’s season-ending loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I don’t understand being allowed to play. I have never refused to participate in training in my life,” Antetokounmpo said. “Whoever brought this up disrespected what I did for this team and the way I carried myself.
“I did what I had to do. I couldn’t get on the field anymore. Whose authority is this? It’s coming from above. I thought I was in control. OK, if I’m healthy, I’ll play. This shows me that not only I, but the players in general, didn’t have control. No, I didn’t feel in control.”
Antetokounmpo was seen warming up with no signs of injury.
“Of course it was tiring for me,” Antetokounmpo said. “If it was tiring for me, it was definitely tiring for me and the organization.”
Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts from the sidelines during the first half of an NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 12, 2026 in Philadelphia. (Chris Szagola/AP)
Bucks part ways with DOC RIVERS AFTER NBA PLAYOFF MISSING: REPORT
The Bucks could consider trading Antetokounmpo in the offseason or possibly sign him to a four-year, $275 million extension in October.
Still, Antetokounmpo said he hasn’t been officially offered an extension and that it’s still too far away for him to consider.
“That’s a long way off. It’s something I have to sit down with my family and see what’s best for me, for my family,” Antetokounmpo said. said Antetokounmpo. “Money means nothing to me. Zero. Absolutely zero. What matters to me is winning.”
Antetokounmpo was the centerpiece of the team’s 2021 championship and is a two-time NBA MVP award winner. If he remains with the Bucks through the 2026-27 season and beyond, the team could look very different.
Doc Rivers is not expected to return to the Bucks next season. Some players have the option to train for next year, while others have the right to extend.
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers hugs Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee. (Jeffrey Phelps/AP)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Milwaukee will have a lot of decisions to make this summer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
