Giannis Antetokounmpo Misses Season Opener Due to COVID-19

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was absent from the team’s season-start media day because he tested positive for COVID-19. According to general manager Jon Horst, Giannis remains in Greece and is unable to travel as he recovers.

Antetokounmpo, 30, expressed his disappointment during a remote appearance via Zoom, saying, “I’m definitely bummed I can’t be there with the team to start the season. As a leader, I don’t feel good about this, but it’s part of life.”

The Bucks made headlines this summer by trading away All-Star Damian Lillard, who is likely to miss the entire upcoming season after rupturing his Achilles tendon. The team also signed center Myles Turner, moving away from recent playoff disappointments and aiming to build a roster capable of contending for a championship again.

This offseason has seen a series of roster changes, with players like Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Pat Connaughton leaving, while Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Harris, Cole Anthony, and Amir Coffey joined the team. Despite recent strategic moves, the Bucks have yet to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs since their 2019 title win.

Antetokounmpo, who finished third in MVP voting last season with remarkable averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, remains the team’s cornerstone. The organization is optimistic that with a stronger supporting cast and new additions, they can bring Milwaukee closer to another NBA championship.

“This team is designed to maximize Giannis, but Giannis also has the ability to elevate this team,” GM Horst stated Monday.