Giannis Antetokounmpo Back on the Court

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned to training camp but is still not completely recovered from the effects of COVID-19, which caused him to miss the beginning of preparations for the upcoming NBA season. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Antetokounmpo shared that he is not yet feeling at his best.

Recovery Journey

After testing positive for COVID-19 while in Greece, the reigning NBA MVP is taking cautious steps to regain his fitness. In his first practice back, he refrained from taking contact, highlighting the toll the virus has taken on his body. "I think it took a toll on my body. I'm not feeling 100 percent yet, physically," Antetokounmpo admitted. However, he remains optimistic, stating, "I've got like 18 days until the first game, so I think I'll be fine."

Team Coach's Insights

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers echoed Antetokounmpo's sentiments, estimating that the star will need around three days to ramp up to full contact practice. “He told me two, but after watching him, I think it's three for sure,” Rivers noted, emphasizing the need for additional conditioning work. Rivers recalled the timeline of Antetokounmpo’s return, noting that a two and a half week break can significantly impact a player’s conditioning.

Looking Ahead

Given the timeline suggested by Rivers, it appears unlikely that Antetokounmpo will participate in the Bucks' preseason opener against the Miami Heat on Monday. The team is hoping to have their MVP finalist back and performing at full strength when the regular season kicks off with a home game against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, Oct. 22.