The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly want star Giannis Antetokounmpo to sit 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.
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That statement 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 to sit for the rest of the regular season emerged 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.
Antetokounmpo, who has played in just 36 games this season due to various injuries, is currently sidelined with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. He has not played since March 15 due to the issue.
This story will be updated.