Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar and two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure in his left knee, as reported by Antonis Kalkavouras from Gazzetta.gr.
Although not a major concern for the dominant force in the league, his participation in the upcoming FIBA World Cup with the Greek national team hangs in the balance. Currently in the rehabilitation phase, Giannis is expected to fully recover in the following weeks, but the decision to compete ultimately rests with him.
The Bucks, recognizing his vital role as the team’s leader, prioritize his well-being and urge caution. As the basketball world eagerly awaits his verdict, Milwaukee’s hopes for a triumphant return to the top lie in the hands of the indomitable “Greek Freak.”
The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo could spell a major upset for the Greek national team, which had high hopes for a successful run in the tournament. Known for his incredible stats, averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, Giannis was a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. With Greece aiming to build on their fifth-place finish in the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket, Giannis was set to lead his team again.
However, his participation hangs in the balance due to the FIBA-NBA agreement, prioritizing his health and preventing potential injury aggravation. As the Greeks head to Manila to face formidable opponents like Team USA, Jordan, and New Zealand, the absence of their star player adds an intriguing twist to their journey, leaving fans wondering how they will fare without his extraordinary talents.
The Bucks fret over his fitness for the upcoming season as his tumultuous history with knee injuries raises concerns. Will his involvement in the high-stakes tournament jeopardize his performance on the court?
| Year | Games Missed | Bucks’ Record during Absence |
| 2022 | 19 | 11-8 |
| 2021 | – | – |
| 2020 | – | – |
| 2019 | – | – |
| Playoffs | 2 | 0-2 |
The Bucks struggled without Antetokounmpo in the playoffs, losing to the Miami Heat in five games (4-1). The Heat reached the NBA Finals but lost to the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets, in five games (4-1). Despite his absence in a few games, Antetokounmpo’s brilliance propelled the Bucks to finish with the best record in the NBA at 58-24.
Despite undergoing a knee procedure, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s participation in the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season remains unaffected. However, should he choose to represent Greece in the World Cup, the Milwaukee Bucks will probably adopt a cautious approach by carefully managing his playing time during the initial phase of the season. This strategic decision aims to minimize the risk of him missing multiple games, a scenario the team wishes to avoid following the previous season.