Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo does not intend to sit out rest of season

Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t planning on shutting it down.

Despite the Bucks slipping to 20-29 and falling outside the playoff picture, Antetokounmpo intends to return once he’s fully recovered from his right calf strain, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

The idea of sitting him for the remainder of the season was floated internally, league sources told Nehm, but it’s not where Antetokounmpo’s head is.

That tracks. The Bucks didn’t trade him at the deadline, despite heavy interest, and Antetokounmpo still believes there’s something to chase this season. Whether that belief lines up with reality is another discussion.

Antetokounmpo has appeared in 30 games, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists, essentially his usual dominance when healthy. There’s still no firm timetable for his return, but the message is clear: if he’s cleared, he’s playing.

All of this sits against a louder backdrop. Milwaukee has now exited in the first round three straight years, and rival teams tested the Bucks’ resolve hard at the deadline.

The Heat, Timberwolves, and Warriors all checked in. None got traction.

The offseason is where things could really heat up. The Lakers are viewed around the league as a viable threat, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, armed with draft capital and cap flexibility.