Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks’ relationship is already on thin ice, and the team might have made things worse heading into the offseason. <\/p>\n
The Bucks asked Antetokounmpo to sit out despite him feeling healthy enough to play, which he called “a slap in the face.” <\/p>\n
“I’ve never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that’s like \u2014 I’m saying it publicly \u2014 I want to f\u2013-ing play. You know what I’m saying?” Antetokounmpo said Friday, per The Athletic’s Eric Nehm<\/a>. “I don’t think I’ve seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don’t know. There should be. Until we figure something out.”<\/p>\n According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBA is investigating the Bucks “for their handling of the player participating policy and potential inconsistent statements” regarding Antetokounmpo’s health.<\/p>\n Antetokounmpo has not played since March 15 with what the Bucks have described as a bone bruise. Despite missing the last 10 games, Antetokounmpo said he’s been ready to play for weeks.<\/p>\n “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available. Do I look like I’m not available? \u2026 I don’t see myself in the first 12. I don’t see myself in the starting lineup.<\/p>\n “I don’t know what game is being played right here, I just don’t wanna be a part of it.”<\/p>\n