The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo are all set for their 2025-26 NBA season. While their previous season ended in an early playoff exit, the Bucks remained determined to regroup and bounce back.
And while there have been concerns about Antetokounmpo’s time in Milwaukee, the NBA Champion has remained loyal to his team. Of course, with the new season approaching, the Bucks’ roster is currently focused on resuming activity with their training camp.
Why Was Giannis Antetokounmpo Late for the Bucks’ Training Camp?
Following preseason prep in Milwaukee, the Bucks will be shifting base to Miami. This is before their exhibition game with the Miami Heat on October 6.
Antetokounmpo, however, will be a little late in joining his teammates for training camp, as he tested positive for COVID-19 in Greece.
“He’ll be flying in either tonight or in the morning,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers revealed. This will be right before the team gets on their flight to Miami.
Rivers also explained why the team wanted to train in Miami.
“Well, because we play Miami in the first game, so it’s just easier,” Rivers said. “What I love to do, whatever team we play first, make it a warm-weather, nice place that we can just be there. We had Miami first on the schedule. I typically like playing West Coast teams, honestly. But the schedule was kind of set already.”
Having said that, Antetokounmpo will be looking at a new roster this offseason. The team has added Myles Turner, Cole Anthony, Amir Coffey, and Gary Harris this offseason, making sure they give their superstar player a reason to stay in Milwaukee.
Turner, previously with the Indiana Pacers, was one of the Bucks’ biggest offseason moves with a new four-year, $108.9 million contract. Averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last season, Turner is much-needed frontcourt support for Antetokounmpo.
He’ll take over from Brook Lopez, providing shooting support while efficiently blocking shots when needed.
Furthermore, players like Anthony, Coffey, and Harris are meant to make Antetokounmpo’s job easier, giving the team and fans hope for a better season.
Antetokounmpo Continues To Believe in His Team Ahead of the 2025-26 Season
Speaking to reporters on media day, Antetokounmpo addressed everyone about his team and the relatively new roster. After all, the Greek Freak needs a tight roster so they can aim for a better run.
“I really believe in this team,” Antetokounmpo said. “I love that we’re younger. … We have energy. I think this is a team full of dogs, guys that know their role and (are) gonna try to do their best to figure into their role and try to help this team be great, so I’m excited.”
As mentioned, the Bucks will begin their preseason with a game against the Heat on Monday, October 6, at the Kaseya Center in Miami.