The
Milwaukee Bucks just received the tough news that they should plan to be without
Giannis Antetokounmpo for at least the start of the NBA
playoffs. After suffering a left calf strain last week, Antetokounmpo is expected to return to his team later in the opening series of the postseason.
This is decidedly bad news for the Bucks and has them concerned that this year's playoff run could end like last year's. In 2022-23, the Bucks were pushed out of the opening round after five games. This was partly because Antetokounmpo missed multiple games and Milwaukee fell into a deep hole they couldn't climb out of.
Speaking on "Get Up," Brian Windhorst made a stark announcement about Antetokounmpo's future.
โIf [the Bucks] go down in the first round againโฆIโm not sure where Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to be," Windhorst said.
The idea of Giannis leaving the Bucks isn't too shocking. Just last summer, he made multiple statements that left the door open for him possibly departing the team in the future if they don't compete at the level he wants. A loss in the first round would once again create a lot of speculation about what he will do.
It'll also create a ton of buzz about the future for
Damian Lillard and new head coach
Doc Rivers. Would they remain in Milwaukee? Would they leave? Would the front office attempt a complete rebuild if they fall apart in the opening round again?
The Bucks were supposed to be Finals contenders this year. If they lose at the start of the postseason, their entire future will be in question.