The 2022-23 season ended in misery for both Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Once touted as the favorites to go all the way this past season, Giannis and Co. saw themselves unceremoniously ousted in the opening round of the playoffs by the eventual Eastern Conference Champions, the Miami Heat.
The fact that Giannis suffered a back injury early in that series played an undeniably crucial role in the Bucks ultimately falling 4-1 against Jimmy Butler and a determined Miami side. Unfortunately for Antetokounmpo, the injury bug has hit him again at this point in the offseason, this time putting his FIBA World Cup availability for Greece in complete jeopardy.
The Bucks Could Hold Giannis Out of the World Cup Due To A Leg Injury
According to reports, the former back-to-back MVP is currently dealing with a mysterious leg injury. There aren’t too many details available at the moment, but it has already been revealed that Giannis is doubtful to suit up for Greece in the summer tournament.
Greece is part of Group C in the World Cup, where they have been clustered with Team USA, Jordan, and New Zealand. Obviously, losing Antetokounmpo will be a huge blow for the Greeks and their hopes of finding success in this prestigious international tournament. Reports have also stated that the Bucks will not give their cornerstone superstar the green light to take part in the tournament unless he is a hundred percent healthy.
NBA Fans React To Another Timely Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury
This is far from the first time Giannis has suffered an injury in what has been an eventful NBA career. Unfortunately for the Greek national team, it comes at a terrible time for them.
Naturally, a lot of fans weren’t happy to hear about this latest Antetokounmpo injury. Others, however, just weren’t buying it. Some even hinted that this was all a ploy by the Bucks to get their superstar ready for the season ahead:
— Bobby Tortoise 🐢 (@BobbyTortoise9) June 29, 2023
Good, assuming he’s not dealing with actual knee issues. He needs an entire offseason off for once.
— Chris (Vegas Aces 13-1) (@chris_bucks34) June 29, 2023
Thank god lmaooo. Bro need to let his body take a break for a min lmao
— bobby buckets (@Gogglebobby) June 29, 2023
entire offseason of rest, 2022 Giannis welcome back pic.twitter.com/2pGby3sgFu https://t.co/ivsBfS2tEs
— ✰ (@smhgoofys) June 29, 2023
It sounds like some Bucks fans are even feeling a bit relieved by the fact that Giannis won’t play in the World Cup. These supporters believe that this will be beneficial for Milwaukee’s cornerstone superstar in that he will be able to get some much-needed rest ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Then again, you have to consider that Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t really built like that. If given a choice, I’m pretty sure he would prefer to play in the World Cup to represent his home country. True enough, some folks on social media believe that this is exactly what’s going to happen once the tournament tips off on August 24th. I guess we will all find out soon enough.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
