The NBA Players Association accused the Milwaukee Bucks of tanking on Tuesday by trying to shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season. Antetokounmpo, sidelined since March 15 with a hyperextended knee and bone bruise, wants to return despite the team's position in the standings. The Bucks have played just 36 games with their star this season amid multiple injuries.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has faced durability challenges this season, missing two lengthy stretches due to calf strains before suffering a hyperextended knee and bone bruise on March 15. He has appeared in only 36 games, and the Bucks are reportedly planning to keep him out for the remainder of the season, a decision that prompted intervention from the NBPA. The players' union issued a statement highlighting the league's Player Participation Policy, which aims to ensure healthy All-Stars like Antetokounmpo take 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,' the NBPA said. 'We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking.' The Bucks hold the NBA's ninth-worst record with 29 wins, tied with the Chicago Bulls. They do not control their own first-round draft pick, instead receiving the lesser of their own selection and one from the New Orleans Pelicans stemming from the 2020 Jrue Holiday trade. The Pelicans sit eighth in lottery standings. The team has gone 12-23 without Antetokounmpo, who has played 70 games in a season just once since 2020. Bucks owner Wes Edens has indicated that without a contract extension this offseason, the team would pursue a trade, making Antetokounmpo's health critical for future plans.