MIAMI (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo rejoined the Milwaukee Bucks at practice on Saturday for the first time this season after spending the past week in Greece recovering from COVID-19.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed that Antetokounmpo took part only in non-contact drills as he continues to regain his strength.
“He said he’s going to need about three good days,” Rivers told reporters.
Antetokounmpo arrived in Miami on Friday, joining the team as they prepare for their preseason opener against the Miami Heat on Monday. The Bucks held their media day earlier in the week, with Giannis participating remotely from Greece. Training camp began in Milwaukee on Tuesday before the team flew to Florida for a few days of workouts at Florida International University.
“I think it took a toll on my body,” Antetokounmpo said about his recovery. “I’m not feeling 100% yet, but I’m taking it day by day and getting back in shape. I was able to do some 5-on-0 work, run a bit, and tomorrow I’ll feel a little better. I’ve got about 18 days until the first game, so I think I’ll be fine.”
The 30-year-old superstar, who turns 31 in December, is entering his 13th NBA season—all with Milwaukee. He’s already built an incredible résumé: a nine-time All-Star, two-time MVP, NBA champion, and Finals MVP. Giannis is also one of only two players—alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder—to average at least 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons.
While his absence early in camp wasn’t ideal, Rivers believes it could help the team in the long run.
“The key to our team every year is how we perform when Giannis is off the floor,” Rivers said. “We’ve been working on that, and maybe this gives us a little head start.”