Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers confirmed that Giannis Antetokounmpo is approaching a return from his injury, noting a sense of reassurance throughout the team after weeks of swirling trade rumors surrounding the two-time MVP.
The 31-year-old forward stayed with the Bucks following Thursday’s trade deadline, and Rivers described the locker room as buzzing with energy once it was confirmed he’d remain in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo has appeared in just 30 games this season and has been sidelined since aggravating a calf strain on January 23.
“He’s going to play when he’s healthy – he’s getting close,” said the Bucks head coach. “He’s working out. He looks good. So I would say hopefully sooner than later.”
Doc Rivers and the Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo
Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks secured their third straight victory Friday, edging out the Indiana Pacers 105-99, yet they still sit 12th in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Charlotte Hornets by three games for the final play-in position.
Doc Rivers and the Bucks have struggled without Giannis Antetokounmpo, going 6-14 in games he has missed, while posting a 15-15 record in the 30 contests he has played.
This season, Antetokounmpo is putting up 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, with an efficient 65% shooting rate, earning him a spot in the NBA All-Star Game.
Feb 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo has participated in on-court workouts before each of the past three Bucks games.
Following Thursday’s trade deadline, he shared a clip from The Wolf of Wall Street on social media, paired with the message: “Legends don’t chase. They attract.”
“It was a relief. I thought Giannis’ tweet was like a unifying thing for all the players,” Doc Rivers continued.
The Bucks also had a boost in offense as Cam Thomas agreed to join the team. He became a free agent last week after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets.