The Milwaukee Bucks have a great deal of work to do before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. After yet another first round loss in the NBA Playoffs, they are facing an ever-shrinking window in which they can win another NBA Championship. An entire offseason with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo planning and working on playing together this upcoming year will certainly help.
Mar 24, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) holds his hand after getting fouled against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, Lillard was not acquired until right before training camp. The roster (and coaching staff, for that matter) was not built around having two superstar players. Instead, it was built around Giannis and what his particular skillset is. An entire summer of planning and building with both players in mind will hopefully improve the product on the court.
Of course, having a fully healthy team will help as well. Lillard battled an Achilles injury all season and in the postseason. Khris Middleton was working his way back from various leg injuries and was playing hurt in the playoffs as well.
Most importantly, Giannis missed the entire series against the Indiana Pacers with a strained soleus. At first, there was hope that he would be able to play later in the series, or in the second round if the Bucks had made it that far. However, that was not going to happen.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Provides an Update on His Health
Nov 30, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
As many fans are aware, Giannis has committed to playing for the Greek National Team in the upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament. The team just started practices, and of course Giannis is present. Earlier, he addressed the media and gave an update on his healthy and offseason. As it turns out, the injury was so severe, he has not been able to play basketball since he got hurt:
“I feel good. I’ve been in the gym but i haven’t been on the court. I haven’t played basketball for a long time, for two, two and a half months. I didn’t have a practice with contact yet, but i feel better. I’m good,” Giannis said.
With the NBA Finals now concluded, the time has come for teams to start resetting and building for next season. Fortunately, it sounds like Giannis will be able to give it his all this summer as he prepares.
The Milwaukee Bucks Need Giannis Antetokounmpo to Stay Healthy
Mar 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
It should be noted that, while he has committed to playing for Greece in the qualifying tournament, he has not committed to the Olympics themselves. Whether or not he will play in the upcoming Games remains to be seen.
It also is noteworthy that Giannis has not been healthy for either of Milwaukee’s last two playoff series losses, both coming in the first round. If the Bucks are going to have any chance of winning another NBA Championship this upcoming season, as is their goal, he needs to not get hurt again.
The pre-tournament will be a great way for Giannis to get back into shape and to start getting the feel for the court again. But maybe it would be in the Bucks’ best interests if he limited his commitment to just the qualifiers.
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