Giannis Antetokoumpo ‘Wasn’t Even Close’ To Being Able To Return

Giannis Antetokoumpo was unable to appear in the first round of the Milwaukee Bucks’ series against the Indiana Pacers due to a calf injury.

Antetokoumpo’s status heading into Game 6 was slightly more promising, but he was ruled out.

“I tried my best to come back to help my teammates,” Antetokounmpo said Friday. “It’s kind of hard to see them being out there and not being able to help them, but I just couldn’t.

“I did all the tests I had to do, these like protocols you have to follow and have to check the boxes. I wasn’t even close at checking the boxes.”

Antetokoumpo suffered the injury at the end of the regular season and last played on April 9th.

Antetokoumpo missed multiple playoff games last season as well with a back injury.

Antetokounmpo was asked if he might change his approach next season.

“I don’t know. Maybe I do follow a different pattern,” Antetokounmpo said. “Maybe try different things. I don’t like the word ‘rest.’ Like, if I can play, I will play. If I cannot play, I can’t play.

“I’m for sure going to sit down and think about it, of how my summer is going to look like and how next year is going to look like.”