Milwaukee’s nightmare state of affairs practically unfolded Wednesday evening when Giannis Antetokounmpo hit the ground in seen ache after a non-contact incident early within the first quarter.
The 2-time MVP limped straight to the locker room and by no means returned, sparking fast panic throughout the fanbase. Hours later, the Bucks lastly had readability, and a little bit of aid.
Antetokounmpo will miss two-to-four weeks after an MRI revealed a strained proper calf, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. It’s a major blow, however not the catastrophic final result many feared. A torn Achilles would have ended his season fully.
The Bucks rallied with out him, pulling out a 113 to 109 win over the Detroit Pistons. However the damage lands at an particularly turbulent second for the franchise.
Earlier that very same morning, a report surfaced indicating Antetokounmpo and the Bucks had begun inside discussions about his long-term future with the staff, a storyline that has hovered for months as Milwaukee stumbled to a ten and 13 begin.
Antetokounmpo has been sincere about his need to compete for championships, and his option to delay any main offseason choice was rooted in seeing how this retooled roster would carry out. Now, with the staff underachieving and their star sidelined, each events are pressured into one other analysis interval.
The timing of the damage additionally retains open an uncomfortable query coming into commerce season.
The deadline just isn’t till February, and barring setbacks, Antetokounmpo is anticipated to return earlier than then. His availability, or lack of it, will form the league’s largest hypothetical. The Bucks will await his restoration window earlier than weighing their choices, as Charania famous.
Calf accidents have turn into a serious pink flag throughout the NBA after a string of stars suffered Achilles tears following comparable points.
Final season each Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton skilled calf accidents earlier than rupturing their Achilles tendons. Jayson Tatum additionally reportedly was coping with a calf challenge previous to rupturing his Achilles tendon throughout a recreation. Groups have responded with additional warning, highlighted by the Spurs shutting down Victor Wembanyama earlier this yr.
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