Latest Update On Bucks 2-Time MVP Late Season Injury

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar, was unable to compete in the 2024 NBA Playoffs owing to a calf strain received at the end of the regular season.

Antetokounmpo’s declining durability has been a cause of frustration for some, as he missed the second consecutive postseason due to injury. After the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, the two-time MVP said that he “(has) to do a better job of taking care of (his) body.”

“Maybe I need to change my game,” he reflected. “…I’m eager to do anything to be on the court and not disappoint my teammates.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Surprising Decision After Late Season Injury

Given those words, it’s reasonable that he’s hesitant to commit to Greece this year. However, Antetokounmpo “will be present with the national team in the Olympic Games qualifiers,” revealed Greek national team head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, according to Eurohoops’ Johnny Askounis.

Antetokounmpo has represented Greece on multiple occasions. He competed at the junior level in the 2013 U20 Euro Championship A. The next year, he was promoted to the Senior Team and competed in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, the 2015 EuroBasket Tournament, the 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in Italy, the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the 2021 European World Cup Qualifiers, and the 2022 Eurobasket Tournament. He has played 40 games for the Greek national team, including 30 at the senior level.

Breaking Down the Olympic Games Qualifiers

The 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament will take place from July 2-7. Greece will face the Dominican Republic on July 3 and Egypt on July 4. A top-two finish in Group B would result in a single-elimination semi-final against Croatia, Slovenia, or New Zealand from Group A. If Greece wins their semifinal match, they will meet either the other top-two finisher from Group B or the top-two finisher from Group A in the Finals.

Οι φιλικοί αγώνες προετοιμασίας της Εθνικής ομάδας Ανδρών ενόψει του Προολυμπιακού τουρνουά που θα διεξαχθεί στο διάστημα 2-7 Ιουλίου στο Στάδιο Ειρήνης και Φιλίας.https://t.co/K2Y8JSdvDC #FIBAOQT #HellasBasketball #PantaDipla #AegeanAcropolisTournament pic.twitter.com/hXRG26Foh5

— Hellenic Basketball (@HellenicBF) May 30, 2024

These three teams will also compete in Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, although in separate ones. While Greece plays at home in Piraeus, Poland and the Bahamas will compete in Valencia, Spain. Their opponents will be Finland, Lebanon, Angola, and Spain. Montenegro will compete in the Olympic Qualifiers held in Riga, Latvia. Their opponents are Brazil, Cameroon, Georgia, Latvia, and the Philippines.