Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in 2021-22 preseason

3 things to watch for in the Milwaukee Bucks 2021-22 preseason: The health of Giannis Antetokounmpo

While I said in the beginning that I don’t expect the Bucks’ big three to play all that much during the preseason, there is some anticipation around how much Giannis Antetokounmpo will play, if he does at all.

Antetokounmpo admitted his left knee still isn’t fully healthy after injuring it against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals and that it’s something he’ll have to keep managing. He didn’t participate in five-on-five scrimmages in the opening days of training camp, but Budenholzer isn’t overly worried about his superstar’s status.

"There’s definitely a plan that Giannis, the sports performance, and all of us have put together and with any kind of health plan you have to check back in each day. He’s making good progress and I don’t want to say now when it is we expect whatever it is, whether it’s playing five-on-five or playing games. There’s definitely a plan, it’s stuff he’s kind of dealt with his whole career, both knees, different times, so I think the confidence level for him and for us is in a good place."

Budenholzer also shot down the idea that Antetokounmpo wouldn’t be ready for opening night, saying that they hope it’s “sooner rather than later” that he’ll be ready to go. It’s no surprise that they’re being cautious with their franchise player as that’s been a staple under Budenholzer, and it’s so early in the season that they can afford to take things slowly with him.

There’s no point in rushing Antetokounmpo back from injury and risk it limiting him going forward. However, it’s something to watch for as to whether or not he plays, and if he does, how does he look with his banged-up knee. It doesn’t sound like a severe injury, of course, but something that you want to make sure he’s fully recovered from so it’s not limiting him throughout the season and into the playoffs.

These are just three of the things to look out for in what should be a fun and eventful return for the defending champions in the preseason.