The Milwaukee Bucks are trying to live life without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former MVP has missed more than a month with a calf injury, and the team raised eyebrows when it chose to hold him out through the All Star break last month.
The Bucks sparked fresh buzz when they posted workout photos of Antetokounmpo on X, formerly known as Twitter, and added the caption, “Another day closer.” The message quickly fueled speculation that his return could be nearing. Amid the growing chatter, head coach Doc Rivers stepped in and shared an update on the star forward’s progress.
Another day closer. pic.twitter.com/0R3hqgievU
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 27, 2026
“Doc Rivers told reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo got a good workout in yesterday and then regarding a return, Rivers added, “I keep saying it’s close. I just don’t know how soon.”” The Athletic’s Eric Nehm wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Doc Rivers told reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo got a good workout in yesterday and then regarding a return, Rivers added, "I keep saying it's close. I just don't know how soon." https://t.co/i9KUSV4RjS
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) March 1, 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo nears a return for the Bucks
Last week, Rivers offered an unusual assessment of Antetokounmpo’s recovery, admitting he did not have a clear timeline. He acknowledged that he might need to check for a more precise answer, but added that the star forward appears to be nearing a return.
Some analysts have suggested that the Bucks should shut Antetokounmpo down for the remainder of the season to improve their draft position. Milwaukee is set to receive the less favorable pick between its own first round selection and the one belonging to the New Orleans Pelicans, which has only fueled that line of thinking.
The Bucks did not exactly control games even when Antetokounmpo was available, but the team would likely boost its odds of securing a better selection in the deep 2026 NBA Draft if he stays out of the lineup moving forward.