Giannis Antetokounmpo Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Antetokounmpo Has Wrist Sprain, Avoids Serious Damage

February 20th, 2023 at 6:28pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Bucks and their fans can exhale. Giannis Antetokounmpo avoided serious damage in his right wrist, tests revealed on Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweets.

The examination took place in New York and Antetokounmpo was diagnosed with a sprained ligament. He’ll undergo treatment with the expectation that he’ll return to the lineup once the pain subsides, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets.

It’s uncertain if Antetokounmpo will need to miss some games. Milwaukee will host Miami and Phoenix this weekend.

The Bucks’ superstar removed himself from the All-Star Game after scoring the first basket. Antetokounmpo played just nine minutes in Milwaukee’s victory over Chicago on Thursday. The two-time MVP was injured trying to block a layup attempt by Coby White. He jammed his wrist when he reached out while crashing into the padded stanchion.

Antetokounmpo is averaging a career-high 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists this season. He has already missed 11 games, mostly due to knee soreness.

All-Star Notes: Malone, Tatum, New Draft Format, Irving

February 20th, 2023 at 8:56am CST by Arthur Hill

There were several memorable moments from All-Star Weekend, but not many occurred during Sunday night’s game. Defense has rarely been a priority in the All-Star Game, but there was minimal effort from most players on that end of the court as Team Giannis posted a 184-175 win over Team LeBron.

Among the critics was the Nuggets’ Michael Malone, who guided Team LeBron in his second All-Star coaching appearance (video link from Vic Lombardi of Altitude TV).

“It’s an honor to be here; it’s an honor to be part of a great weekend, great players, but that was the worst basketball game ever played,” Malone said at the postgame press conference. “… I give Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, those guys were, like, competing. Joel was imploring some of the guys to play harder, to try to get some defense in. No one got hurt, they put on a show for the fans, but that is a tough game to sit through, I’m not gonna lie.”

Celtics star Jaylen Brown was also critical of the contest, calling it a glorified “layup line” and saying, “that’s not basketball,” tweets Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times.

There’s more from All-Star Weekend:

Jayson Tatum realized midway through the fourth quarter Sunday night that he had a chance to break the All-Star Game scoring record, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Tatum, who finished with 55 points to top Anthony Davis‘ old mark of 52, credits Damian Lillard for pointing out that the record was within reach. Tatum added that he has been hoping to win All-Star MVP honors since the trophy was named in honor of Kobe Bryant. “It’s extremely special to me,” Tatum said. “My first All-Star Game was in Chicago in 2020 when they renamed the MVP after him, and I remember telling myself that someday I got to get one of those.”
The new format of having captains select their teams shortly before game time mostly went smoothly, although Giannis Antetokounmpo mistakenly picked starter Ja Morant while drafting the reserves. Also, Nikola Jokic walked over to Team LeBron before the final pick among starters was made, but he didn’t realize that Lauri Markkanen still hadn’t been selected, tweets Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
Among the most notable picks in the draft was LeBron James choosing Irving, his former teammate in Cleveland. The Lakers were rumored to be among the top contenders to land Irving after he made his trade request to the Nets. “It’s always good to see him. I’m very proud of him,” James told reporters (video link from Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register). “Very proud of the man that he has become in his life right now.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo To Have More Tests On Sprained Wrist

February 20th, 2023 at 7:53am CST by Arthur Hill

Giannis Antetokounmpo will undergo additional tests on his sprained right wrist today in New York, according to Tim Bontemps of ESPN.

Antetokounmpo served as a captain in Sunday’s All-Star Game, but played just 20 seconds to avoid aggravating the injury. He scored a quick basket and committed an intentional foul so he could check out.

The Bucks star was visible throughout All-Star Weekend, but he didn’t do much on the court. He pulled out of Saturday’s skills competition, with teammate Jrue Holiday taking his place on Team Antetokounmpo.

“Taking it day by day, try to get healthy,” Antetokounmpo said after Sunday’s game. “You know, obviously I had the incident three days ago. I don’t think it’s smart in any way to … play a lot of minutes in the All-Star Game. At the end of the day, obviously, you want to participate, you want to run up and down, joke around, have some dunks, create some work. But at the end of the day, I feel you also have to be mature. Hard decision, but mature decision to kind of … take a break here, take care of it, and hopefully I can be available for my team when they need me.”

Antetokounmpo suffered the injury on Thursday when he tried to block a shot by Bulls guard Coby White. X-rays taken after that game were negative, and coach Mike Budenholzer was optimistic that the damage wasn’t serious.

The Bucks entered the break as the league’s hottest team, winning 12 in a row to move within a half-game of the Celtics for the top spot in the East. Milwaukee will resume its season Friday against Miami.

Bucks Notes: Antetokounmpo, Holiday, Middleton

February 18th, 2023 at 5:12pm CST by Arthur Hill

Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t participate in Saturday night’s skills challenge, but he doesn’t seem overly concerned about the right wrist sprain he suffered Thursday, writes Jim Owczarski of The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

The Bucks star brushed aside questions about his wrist Friday as he prepared for his role as a coach in the celebrity contest. It still hasn’t been determined if Antetokounmpo will try to play in Sunday’s All-Star Game, in which he will serve as captain for one of the teams.

Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer expressed optimism about Antetokounmpo’s condition following Thursday’s game, saying X-rays didn’t show any damage beyond the sprain. ESPN reported that he will continue to be re-evaluated while participating in All-Star Weekend.

“What fall?” Antetokounmpo responded when reporters asked about the play that led to the sprain. “That was yesterday, man. That’s old news. It’s a brand new day, man. A good day to be alive.”

There’s more on the Bucks:

The celebrity coaching experience may eventually lead to a new career for the two-time MVP. Antetokounmpo tells Jim Owczarski of The Journal-Sentinel that he’s considering coaching in the NBA once his playing days are over. “Afterward, when I retire, I want to be a head coach,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know that about me, but I want to be a head coach. I really want to be. It’s kind of hard, because you have no control. And, I know the game of basketball, I know how to play the game of basketball, so it’s hard.”
Jrue Holiday has agreed to take Antetokounmpo’s place in the skills challenge, Owczarski adds in a separate story. Holiday, who was also part of the skills competition during his last All-Star appearance in 2012/13, is enjoying the chance to return to the game after such a long absence. “I think just it being 10 years later,” he said, “me being able to just get a chance to perform at the highest level and on a really good team and just showcase my talent, just really being able to be the best that I can, it’s awesome to be recognized for it.”
In an interview with Mark Medina of NBA.com, Holiday says he originally wasn’t planning to watch the announcement of the All-Star reserves because he didn’t expect to be selected.
Khris Middleton was held out of the Bucks’ final game before the break because of soreness in his right knee, Eric Nehm of The Athletic tweets. Middleton recently returned from a knee injury, but Budenholzer indicated that his status on Thursday shouldn’t be considered a sign of trouble. “We just have to take it day by day, and in some ways, that’s how all the guys are,” Budenholzer said.

And-Ones: World Cup Qualifiers, Nike Summit, MVP Race, Rising Stars, Draft

February 17th, 2023 at 8:52am CST by Luke Adams

With two more qualifying matches for the 2023 World Cup right around the corner, USA Basketball has officially announced the 12-man roster that will compete in February’s games. Team USA’s squad is made up primarily of G Leaguers, but features a number of players with NBA experience.

The 12 players who will represent the U.S. on February 23 vs. Uruguay and Feb. 26 vs. Brazil are Deonte Burton, Will Davis II, Abdul Gaddy, Langston Galloway, Treveon Graham, Dusty Hannahs, Nate Hinton, Jay Huff, Xavier Moon, Elijah Pemberton, Reggie Perry, and Craig Sword.

So far, Canada is the only team in the Americas field to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, having won all of its first 10 qualifying contests. However, Team USA – which has an 8-2 record so far – will clinch a World Cup berth by winning either one of its two games this month, tweets Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.

Meanwhile, USA Basketball also announced the rosters for the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit, an annual showcase of U.S. high school prospects that will take place on April 8. The most notable name on the men’s roster is Bronny James, but Bronny isn’t the only son of a former Cavaliers lottery pick to be named to the event — the 13-player roster also includes Dajuan Wagner Jr.

Here are a few more odds and ends from around the basketball world:

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is building a strong case for his third consecutive MVP award and leads the way in the latest straw poll conducted by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. Bontemps’ survey asks 100 media members for their current MVP ballots — Jokic received 77 first-place votes, easily besting runners-up Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks (11 first-place votes) and Joel Embiid of the Sixers (6).
Rockets guard Jalen Green (left groin strain) and Pistons center Jalen Duren (right ankle sprain) have been forced to withdraw from Friday night’s Rising Stars event at All-Star weekend due to injuries, according to the NBA (Twitter link). They’re being replaced by Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu and Rockets forward Tari Eason.
In his latest mock draft for The Athletic, Sam Vecenie moves Alabama wing Brandon Miller up to No. 3, writing that Miller is considered the safest bet in the 2023 draft class – outside of Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson – to be a “really good player” at the NBA level. Vecenie’s top five is rounded out by Overtime Elite guard Amen Thompson at No. 4 and Houston forward Jarace Walker at No. 5.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Suffers Right Wrist Sprain

February 16th, 2023 at 9:28pm CST by Rory Maher

9:28pm: The initial reports on Antetokounmpo’s wrist were “hopeful” and X-rays were clean, head coach Mike Budenholzer said after the game, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic (Twitter link). Antetokounmpo will continue to be evaluated in the coming days, Budenholzer added.

7:47pm: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a right wrist injury during Thursday’s game against the Bulls, tweets K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.

The two-time MVP fell into the stanchion after blocking Coby White‘s shot and he immediately started holding his wrist (YouTube link via House of Highlights). He checked out of the game shortly thereafter to get evaluated and was ruled out with a right wright sprain, per the Bucks (Twitter link).

It’s unclear how severe Antetokounmpo’s injury is at this time, but it certainly seems like he could be yet another All-Star who might need a replacement for this weekend’s exhibition contest. The forward received the most votes among Eastern Conference players and was set to captain the new pick-up style draft format, which will take place shortly before the game.

Obviously, of bigger concern is his status for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. Antetokounmpo is as physical of a player as there is in the NBA, and he has played through injuries in the past, but he is right-handed, so the injury will affect his dominant shooting hand.

On a positive note, the Bucks won’t play again until February 24, so Antetokounmpo will have eight days to rest the wrist sprain and hopefully be ready to go after the break. Milwaukee is currently 40-17, the No. 2 seed in the East, trailing Boston by one game and leading Philadelphia by two.

The 2021 Finals MVP is nearly averaging a point per minute, recording career highs in points (32.5) and rebounds (12.3) to go along with 5.5 assists through 46 games (33.6 minutes).

NBA Announces All-Star Saturday Night Participants

February 14th, 2023 at 7:57pm CST by Dana Gauruder

It was quite a Valentine’s Day for Mac McClung. He was signed to a two-way contract by the Sixers and, hours later, was named as one of the four participants in this year’s Slam Dunk competition during All-Star weekend, according to an NBA press release.

He’ll be joined by the Rockets’ Kenyon Martin Jr., the Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III and the Knicks’ Jericho Sims.

The Skills Challenge will feature a brother act. Team Antetokounmpo, predictably, will include Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks and Alex Antetokounmpo of the G League’s Wisconsin Herd.

Team Jazz will include Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton, while Team Rookies will feature top pick Paolo Banchero of the Magic, as well as the Pistons’ Jaden Ivey and the Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr.

The participants in this year’s 3-point contest can be found here.

Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo Named Players Of The Week

February 6th, 2023 at 2:42pm CST by Rory Maher

Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo have been named the NBA’s players of the week, the league announced (via Twitter). It’s the second straight player of the week award for both players.

Lillard, who won for the Western Conference, led Portland to a 3-1 week by averaging 38.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 6.8 APG on .500/.383/.981 shooting in 39.6 MPG. The veteran point guard was recently named an All-Star for the seventh time.

Antetokounmpo, the East’s winner, led Milwaukee to a 3-0 week by averaging 41.0 PPG, 17.3 RPG and 5.7 APG on .585/.231/.649 shooting in 36.0 MPG. He had a 54-point, 18-rebound effort versus the Clippers, plus a 35-point, 15-rebound, 11-assist triple-double against Miami.

Lillard has now been named the West’s player of the week three times this season, while Antetokounmpo has won the Eastern award four times.

According to the NBA (Twitter link), the other nominees in the West were Mikal Bridges, Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Kawhi Leonard, while Joel Embiid, Markelle Fultz, Darius Garland, Dejounte Murray and Cam Thomas were nominated in the East.

Eastern Notes: Antetokounmpo, Banchero, Yurtseven, Caruso

January 30th, 2023 at 9:35pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has full faith in general manager Jon Horst’s decision-making as the trade deadline approaches, he told Eric Nehm of The Athletic in a wide-ranging interview.

“I feel really good about this team,” Antetokounmpo said. “I feel this team has a chance to win a championship and that’s all you can ask for. Now, what Jon’s going to do, that’s in his hands. He’s really good at his job. GM of the Year in 2019. He’s made incredible trades, some of those trades helped us win a championship. We’ve just got to trust him. We’ve got to trust his judgment and what he sees and what he feels.”

We have more from the Eastern Conference:

Top pick Paolo Banchero says he’s appreciates the tough love approach of his Magic coaches and veteran players, he told Alex Kennedy of Basketball News. “Everyone is here to help me — all of the coaches and a lot of the guys on the team, they all hold me accountable,” Banchero said. “They don’t just let me [do what I want]. If I’m out there making mistakes or not playing up to my abilities, they’re going to let me know about it. They’re going to challenge me, and that’s why I love them. They don’t hand anything to me.”
Heat center Omer Yurtseven‘s surgically repaired ankle has fully healed, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tweets. Yurtseven is preparing for his season debut, which is expected to come shortly after the All-Star break. He’s been cleared for high impact work and is rehabbing in Miami while the team is on a road trip this week.
The Bulls have put such a high price tag on Alex Caruso that he’s virtually untouchable. His value goes far beyond the stat sheet, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times writes. “He’s one of those classic guys that if you’re watching the game and you really understand the game, then you look at the stat sheet, you’re like, ‘You know what, don’t tell me about the stat sheet. That guy impacts the game, he impacts winning,’” coach Billy Donovan said. “To me, the stat sheet never really tells the story about the guys that are really impacting the outcome of the game with different things they do.’’

Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo Named Players Of The Week

January 30th, 2023 at 2:56pm CST by Rory Maher

Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo have been named the NBA’s players of the week, the league announced (Twitter link).

Lillard averaged 42.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.3 steals on .632/.514/.920 shooting in leading Portland to a 2-1 record last week. The Western Conference winner’s highlight performance was Wednesday’s victory over Utah, when the star point guard put up 60 points, seven boards, eight assists and three steals on an absurd .724/.600/.900 shooting line.

Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, led Milwaukee to a 4-0 week by averaging 38.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.0 steal on .624/.467/.580 shooting. It’s the third Eastern Conference player of the week honor this season for the 2021 Finals MVP.

According to the NBA (Twitter link), the other nominees in the West were Anthony Edwards, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James, while Bam Adebayo, Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle were nominated in the East.