Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo has ‘routine’ knee surgery, FIBA World Cup status in doubt
NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo had a cleanup procedure on his left knee several weeks back but is expected to be ready by the time training camp opens in September, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin told reporters Wednesday.
The team and Antetokounmpo decided together that the player would have the surgery after he felt knee discomfort since the offseason, ESPN reported.
“Yes, he had a routine surgery on his left knee and it went great,” Griffin told reporters. “Everything went as planned and we expect him back ready to go in training camp.”
While his status for the Bucks isn’t a concern, Antetokounmpo’s availability for the FIBA Basketball World Cup next month is up in the air.
He had been slated to play for Greece during the tournament that runs from Aug. 25-Sept. 10 in the Philippines.
Representing Greece on the international stage has been of major importance for Antetokounmpo, who played for them during EuroBasket and had been part of the squad during the 2019 World Cup.
“When it comes to our players’ health we always work collaboratively with the player, his representative, and our performance staff to make the best decision possible,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said to The Athletic.
“In the case of national team play, we work with our partners in those federations also. No decision has been made on whether Giannis will be with the Greek national team this summer.”
Antetokounmpo, 28, put up a career-best 31.1 points per game, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 63 games last season.
Part of his season was hampered by injuries, which included left knee soreness in the first half of the year.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player missed a majority of Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series with the Miami Heat due to a lower back contusion.
The big man returned for Game 4, but the eighth-seeded Heat knocked out the No. 1 Bucks after taking the series in five games.
