NBA Investigates Bucks Over Antetokounmpo's Absence

Tensions between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have escalated, with the Greek superstar publicly accusing the team of preventing him from playing despite feeling fit. This situation has prompted the NBA to launch an investigation into the team over suspected tanking – the practice of deliberately losing games to secure a better draft position.

Absent since March 15th and having played only six games since late January, Antetokounmpo voiced his frustration on Friday, ahead of the Bucks' heavy 131-101 defeat to the Boston Celtics. While officially listed with a knee injury, the player insists he is ready to compete.

“I’m able to play, but they won’t let me play. I’m able to play, right now. Do they have the impression otherwise? But I don’t see myself on the game sheet. I don’t see myself in the starting five. I don’t know what they’re playing at, but I don’t want to be a part of it,” lamented the 2019 and 2020 NBA MVP.

The prolonged absence of the 'Greek Freak' coincides with the Bucks' worst season since his arrival in Wisconsin, fueling suspicions that the team is deliberately sidelining him. According to ESPN, the NBA has initiated an investigation to determine if the team is forcing its star to miss games.

This isn't the first time the situation has sparked controversy. A month ago, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) had already issued a statement supporting Antetokounmpo, accusing the Bucks of undermining the integrity of the competition.

The player, a bronze medalist at EuroBasket 2025, did not hide his displeasure and issued a warning about the future of his relationship with the team. “They know who they’re dealing with. So, to have someone tell me not to play is a slap in the face for me. I don’t know where our relationship [with the Bucks] will go after this,” he threatened.

Antetokounmpo welcomed the league's investigation. “I’ve never seen a player of my caliber have to publicly say ‘I want to play.’ So, if there’s an investigation, great. There has to be one. Until a solution can be found,” he stated.

Despite rumors of his departure last summer and again before the trade deadline this winter, the player remained in Wisconsin. However, with this latest episode, a split between the two parties at the end of the season appears increasingly likely. Antetokounmpo, 31, is under contract until 2027, with a player option for the 2027-2028 season valued at $62.7 million.

In the 36 games he has played this season, the 2021 Finals MVP has averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.