For weeks, many were wondering when the Milwaukee Bucks would decide to pull the plug and admit defeat on the season by resting their oft-injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo. It would be the ultimate declaration that, yes, their season is lost. Well, it seems like they are trying to embrace that ugly truth, but Giannis isn't letting the team do so.
Per The Athletic's Eric Nehm (subscription required), the Bucks have asked Giannis, who is currently out of the lineup due to a knee issue, to sit the rest of the way. While Milwaukee hasn't been ruled out of postseason contention just yet, they currently sit 7.5 games back of the Charlotte Hornets for the final Play-In spot. They might have better luck winning the lottery than catching up.
As much as Giannis will hate it, it's time to look ahead to the offseason.
Sitting Giannis makes sense for both parties
If Giannis were healthy, he'd have a much more reasonable case to keep playing. However, he's not, and he hasn't been for the entire season. He's only been active for 36 games with just 13 left to play this season. An assortment of injuries has limited his availability this season. After years of playing basketball almost year-round, it would make plenty of sense to get some extra rest.
It also doesn't make sense to risk his future for a lost season. If Giannis does indeed want a change of scenery this summer, the best thing for him is to head into the offseason well rested. Another injury in the final games of the season could tank his value and could even hinder his availability for next year, depending on the hypothetical severity.
Playing Giannis doesn't make sense for the Milwaukee Bucks, either, beyond potentially selling a few more tickets down the stretch. Over these final 13 games, the team should be looking to let younger players off the leash to evaluate their futures while also prioritizing draft position to land an impact player in a loaded draft class. No, that doesn't mean tank. This team doesn't have to try to tank.
There will be some head-butting down the stretch
The Milwaukee Bucks have accepted defeat. Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't. If the Greek Freak gets cleared from his latest injury and wants to play, it will be fascinating to see if he gets his wish. If there is a resounding no from the front office, one would have to wonder if that will be the straw that breaks the camel's back in terms of the relationship between superstar and management.
For years, the Milwaukee Bucks have gone as Giannis says. Every move they've made has been with him in mind, likely with some input from him as well. The question over these final few games is whether they follow the same path or if they put their foot down and hold him out. The next several weeks could be a crucial time in franchise history.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.