Giannis Antetokounmpo Returns to Bucks Training After COVID-19 Recovery
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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo rejoined his team for training on Saturday, marking his first on-court activity this season following a bout with COVID-19.The two-time MVP had been recovering in his native Greece and missed the initial days of training camp.
The Bucks held a press day on Monday, with Antetokounmpo participating remotely, and began camp in Milwaukee on Tuesday. He afterward traveled to Miami on Thursday to begin individual workouts at the International University of Florida in readiness for a preseason game against the Heat on Monday.
Gradual Return to Play
Antetokounmpo’s initial training session consisted of non-contact drills, as confirmed by Bucks coach Doc Rivers. Rivers indicated the forward anticipates needing approximately three days to regain full conditioning. “He said he will need three days,” Rivers stated.
Antetokounmpo himself acknowledged the lingering effects of the virus.”I think he was invoiced. I still don’t feel one hundred percent physically,” he said, adding that he is focused on a day-by-day approach to regaining his form. “I’m just day by day, putting myself in shape. I could do a 5 against 0, go up and down a little. Tomorrow I’ll be a little better. I have about 18 days left for the first game, so I think I’ll be fine.”
A Thirteenth Season with Milwaukee
Entering his thirteenth season – all with the Milwaukee Bucks – Antetokounmpo boasts an impressive resume. He is a nine-time All-Star, an NBA champion, a two-time MVP, and was named MVP of the NBA finals. He is also one of only two players in the league to have averaged at least 30 points per game for the past three seasons, alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Utilizing Practise Time Without Thier Star
Rivers suggested that Antetokounmpo’s absence during portions of training camp could offer a strategic advantage. The team is using the prospect to evaluate how the roster performs in minutes when their star player is not on the court. “The key to our team every year is the minutes that Giannis does not play,” Rivers explained. “We have been working on that. And maybe help us in the long term.” This focused preparation aims to bolster the team’s depth and resilience, ensuring they remain competitive even when Antetokounmpo is unavailable.
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