A new-look Milwaukee Bucks squad is edging closer to the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, eager to overcome recent playoff frustrations and return to winning form.
After another early exit from the postseason, all eyes are on superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is set to rejoin his team after being ruled out of media day due to COVID-19.
Antetokounmpo To Rejoin After COVID Recovery
The start to Giannis’ season hasn’t gone as planned. He missed the Bucks’ media day earlier this week after testing positive for COVID-19 while in Greece.
According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Giannis is expected to fly to Miami on Saturday to rejoin the team ahead of Milwaukee’s preseason opener against the Heat on October 6.
The 30-year-old had been representing Greece
at EuroBasket 2025, which kept him away from training camp. While his availability for Monday’s game remains uncertain, his return will be a key boost for the team.
Building Chemistry in a New-Look Team
The Bucks experienced a significant offseason shake-up. Damian Lillard was waived after an Achilles injury sidelined him last playoffs, while the team added center Myles Turner, who averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks last season, and guard Cole Anthony. The preseason will be critical for Milwaukee to integrate these additions and build on-court chemistry, with Giannis as the focal point.
Historic Consistency
Giannis Antetokounmpo has achieved a feat no other player in NBA history has matched: three consecutive seasons averaging over 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
His stats over the past three seasons highlight his unprecedented consistency:
2022-23: 30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG
2023-24: 30.4 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 6.5 APG
2024-25: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG
No other player in NBA history has three total seasons with 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists.
A two-time MVP and nine-time All-Star, Giannis has maintained remarkable production across 859 career games (794 starts), averaging 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
In the 2024-25 season, he also contributed 1.2 blocks per game, reinforcing his role as a complete force on both ends of the floor.
