The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly want star Giannis Antetokounmpo tosit out for the rest of the regular season. Antetokounmpo, however, wants to get back on the court as soon as he's cleared.
That reported feud has caught the attention of the National Basketball Players Association — or players union — which released a strongly worded, anti-tanking statement Tuesday.
Thatstatement read:
"The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court. Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership goes unchecked. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking."
Reports suggesting the Bucks wanted Antetokounmpo tosit for the rest of the regular seasonemerged Wednesday in a piece from The Athletic. The Bucks sit at 29-42 entering play Tuesday and are a long shot to make the play-in tournament with just 11 games left in the regular season.
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Antetokounmpo, who has played in just 36 games this season due to various injuries, is currently sidelined with a left kneehyperextension and bone bruise. He has not played since March 15 due to the issue. It's unclear when — or if — Antetokounmpo will be cleared to return to action.
When healthy, Antetokounmpo has produced like his usual self. In 36 games, he is averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists.
The Bucks stand to better their odds in the draft lottery if Antetokounmpo sits out the remainder of the regular season.
It's unclear whether the team will go to those lengths. When contacted about the potential feud by The Athletic on Wednesday, a team source merely said Antetokounmpo was currently hurt and not cleared to play.
Tuesday's statement from the NBPA is an escalation of the situation, putting pressure on the Bucks to allow Antetokounmpo to return if he checks out medically. Antetokounmpo hasn't said anything publicly about the situation, but that could change depending on the Bucks' actions in the next couple days.