The hope was that Giannis Antetokounmpo would return for the Milwaukee Bucks shortly after the NBA All-Star break. Five games have passed, with a sixth coming on Sunday, and the Greek Freak's injury designation has not changed. When is Milwaukee's star rejoining the fold to help in the team's playoff push? Time will tell, but it appears to be on the horizon.
Bucks need a healthy Giannis down the stretch
Giannis last played on January 23 and was ruled out 4-6 weeks due to a right soleus strain. Known as a freakishly fast healer, there was a belief that he could be right around that four-week mark. However, after suffering an adductor injury earlier this season and missing significant time because of it, there is clearly no reason to rush Giannis back on Milwaukee's end.
They don't need Giannis suffering another injury after coming back early.
Doc Rivers has continued to say that Giannis is "close" to returning. In the NBA, that could mean many different things. Rarely, close actually means close. While Giannis hasn't been doing five-on-five work, Rivers noted that it is not a necessity in the rehab process. When he's ready to go, the Bucks will get him back into the lineup.
Bucks playoff hopes still intact as Giannis' return lingers
While many expected the Milwaukee Bucks to fade into obscurity in Giannis' absence, likely setting themselves up for draft position over contending, they've stayed afloat. Their 8-4 February was a solid showing that this team can string together wins without Giannis, even if blowout losses to top contenders like Boston and New York stood out.
Can Milwaukee make some noise with Giannis? It's possible. In his absence, Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins have become an elite duo, Cam Thomas has joined the squad and provided a spark, and new forward Ousmane Dieng has been a suitable forward. With one of the top three players in the world in the mix, this team could certainly go on a run.
It won't be easy, but the Milwaukee Bucks do have the 26th most challenging schedule in the NBA down the stretch. That works in their favor as they sit 2.5 games out of the final Play-In spot. Right now, the only question is how much longer the Bucks will be fighting for their lives without Giannis. If he's not ready yet, so be it. The team must keep leaning on the next man up mentality.
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