Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Absence from Media Day
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, was absent from the team’s media day on Monday due to a positive COVID-19 test. Bucks general manager Jon Horst confirmed the news, stating that while Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for some time, he may still participate in a remote session via Zoom later in the day. Currently, the 30-year-old NBA MVP is in Greece and unable to join the team as they kick off their training camp for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Antetokounmpo’s Frustration
Expressing his frustration, Antetokounmpo participated in the team’s media events virtually, sharing,
“I’m definitely disappointed — bummed out that I’m not able to be there with the team and get this ball rolling… as a leader, I don’t feel good about this, but at the end of the day, this is life.”
Significant Roster Changes
This media day marks a significant transition for the Bucks, as they are navigating a notably reshaped roster. The franchise made headlines this offseason by parting ways with All-Star point guard Damian Lillard, who is expected to miss the entire season due to an Achilles rupture. They have since utilized the stretch provision within the league’s collective bargaining agreement to clear space and subsequently signed center Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers have been a formidable opponent, eliminating the Bucks in their past two playoff encounters.
New Additions and Team Dynamics
The Bucks’ roster has seen significant upheaval, with several key players such as Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Pat Connaughton also leaving the team. New additions, including Turner, Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Harris, Cole Anthony, and Amir Coffey, join the squad as the front office seeks to reroute the team’s trajectory under head coach Doc Rivers and bolster the championship prospects around Antetokounmpo, a pivotal figure in their 2019 NBA title win.
Looking Ahead
Despite last season’s impressive individual statistics, where he averaged nearly 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 60.1% from the field, the Bucks have struggled to progress past the second round of the playoffs since their championship win. Horst remains optimistic about the team’s reconfiguration, asserting,
“This team is built to maximize Giannis, but also Giannis can maximize this team.”
As they prepare for the new season, Milwaukee aims to surround their superstar with the necessary talent to regain their status among the elite teams in the league.
