On a day of terrible news around the NBA (our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke AND trailblazing center Jason Collins), there is a small bit of good news for Bucks fans. You may recall that, towards the end of the regular season, Giannis Antetokounmpo infamously called on the league to investigate the Bucks for violating the player participation policy, publicly accusing the Bucks of holding him out of games despite being healthy. The league obliged
his request, and what followed was a series of contradicting reports from both sides, being aired to the media by both Giannis and via ESPN’s Shams Charania (who is also feuding with the Bucks).
Well, Charania relayed earlier this evening that the league completed its investigation and will not take any disciplinary action against Milwaukee for this part of Giannisgate, implicitly exonerating them. While Giannis said the team wouldn’t clear him medically, the Bucks countered that not only was their star not physically ready, but also wasn’t serious about playing. March 15th was when Giannis sustained a left knee hyperextension—the same knee he famously hyperextended in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals—and a bone bruise; he hasn’t seen an NBA court since. That came after other knee issues, a groin strain in November, and yet another calf strain in December.
Suffice it to say, the Bucks wanted to protect their asset, whether he remains a Buck or is traded, and they are reportedly again listening to offers. But if they are to be believed (and the league apparently does), Milwaukee was scheduled to have Giannis play three-on-three, and he declined. He also may have said no to a group workout session the first week of April. We may not know the full details anytime soon, if ever.
For now, we can chalk up a W for Milwaukee in a season where they had 50 Ls. In the eyes of the league, they were on the up-and-up, and their player may not have been. I can’t say I’m surprised: the NBA tends to side with its teams more than its players. After all, the commissioner is selected by 30 team owners. And to be honest, 29 other teams would do the same with a star who faced that many lower-body injuries in a lost season.
The difference is that Giannis, always the fierce competitor who wants to be on the floor, health be damned, piped up about it. Other stars didn’t when they were shut down this season or in previous seasons, with the possible exception of Joel Embiid. It’s anyone’s guess how this affects Giannis’ already-strained relationship with the team. He might dig his heels in further, maintaining the Bucks were in the wrong, or he might be contrite and recognize his part in this whole kerfuffle.
Whether or not the relationship can be repaired, though, remains to be seen. I’m not sure this would make Giannis more eager to sign an extension with Milwaukee. And it may not matter to ownership, who might have already made up their minds one way or the other. I doubt either side will go on record about this anytime soon, and they probably both want to move on. Whatever that looks like.
