Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t hold back Friday when discussing his current situation.
The two-time MVP, who has been sidelined since March 15, said he believes he’s healthy enough to play — but hasn’t been cleared by the team.
“I’m available to play… Right now. I’m available,” Antetokounmpo said, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “Do I look like I’m not available? … I don’t see myself in the first 12. I don’t see myself in the starting lineup.”
“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” he added. “So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”
The situation has drawn league attention. The NBA is investigating the Bucks for potential player participation policy violations, as well as inconsistent reporting on Antetokounmpo’s health status.
Antetokounmpo said he has felt ready for weeks and questioned the decision to hold him out.
“What are you telling me? The next time I’m going to play basketball is October? Why? I don’t want to do that,” he said. “It’s almost like you waved the white flag… and I don’t do that.”
He added that he hopes both sides can find an “amicable solution” moving forward.
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