Imagn
Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is back with the Bucks after missing the first week of training camp with COVID-19, as relayed by Eric Nehm of The Athletic. The nine-time All-NBA forward has rejoined the team but hasn’t taken contact in practice yet and sat out Monday’s preseason win over the Heat.
“Obviously, I think it took a toll on my body,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m not feeling 100 percent yet, physically. Just take it day by day. Get back in shape. I was able to do some 5-on-0. Run up and down a little bit.
“Tomorrow, a little better. I got 18 days until the first game, so I think I’ll be fine.”
Pistons
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff says training camp battles have made this one of the tougher rotation decisions he’s faced, per Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.
“The way camp has gone, there’s not one guy out here that I can tell you doesn’t deserve to play,” Bickerstaff said. “Camp has been so, so competitive and guys have played at such a high level, I’m pleased with the depth that we have but we have some tough decisions to make because of it.”
Bickerstaff is evaluating veteran reserves Javonte Green and Paul Reed, second-year forward Bobi Klintman, and rookie guard Chaz Lanier as he pieces together the back end of his bench.
Jazz
The Jazz made multiple roster tweaks on Monday. The team announced it has waived 7-footer Steven Crowl and guard Matthew Murrell, then signed guard Max Abmas and forward Cameron McGriff to fresh deals.
Crowl and Murrell had been on Exhibit 10 contracts, and it’s likely the new deals for Abmas and McGriff include similar language.
Abmas wrapped up his NCAA career with a season at Texas in 2023/24 and spent last year with the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars, averaging 13.6 points and 4.2 assists.
McGriff, a 6-foot-7 swingman, has bounced around the G League since 2021, most recently averaging 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds for Noblesville.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!