Bucks say Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play in scrimmages

The Milwaukee Bucks are presenting evidence to the NBA that apparently support their stance in their dispute with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The NBA is investigating the Bucks over their handling of Antetokounmpo, who has not played in a game since March 15 due to a knee injury. Antetokounmpo says he wants to play but the team won’t medically clear him. The Bucks apparently question Antetokounmpo’s willingness to play.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks told investigators that Antetokounmpo declined to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmages as part of his protocol to return from his knee injury. To the team, that is evidence supporting their stance that Antetokounmpo should not be cleared yet.

The dispute between the sides is further evidence of the rift that has grown between them.

Antetokounmpo made it clear during the offseason that he wanted a trade, but no deal materialized. There was talk ahead of the deadline of a potential trade, but Milwaukee once again kept Giannis. Now the team’s owner says they want a contract extension in place for their star player ahead of next season. If no contract extension is agreed to, then perhaps Antetokounmpo might finally be dealt.

Antetokounmpo vents publicly

Antetokounmpo went public with his frustration prior to the Bucks’ game against the Celtics in Milwaukee on Friday. He said the suggestion that he didn’t want to play was “like a slap in my face.”

“I’ve never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that’s like — I’m saying it publicly — I want to f–-ing play. You know what I’m saying? I don’t think I’ve seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don’t know. There should be. Until we figure something out,” he said.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers also expressed frustration over the situation, telling reporters it is annoying to constantly discuss the matter. He echoed Antetokounmpo’s comments by saying somethiing needs to be figured out.