The NBA is currently investigating the Milwaukee Bucks' decision to hold Giannis Antetokounmpo out of games down the stretch. Giannis, who claims that he is healthy enough to be out there, has egged on the thought of an investigation, saying, "there should be [one]," when talking to reporters in what was a frustration-fueled rant to reporters before Friday night's game.
On top of this potentially being the straw that breaks the Bucks' back in terms of Giannis finally being clear about wanting a trade out, the franchise could also suffer major penalties depending on what the NBA finds here. If the Bucks are in the wrong, the league, which has made it apparent it wants to stop tanking, could drop the hammer on Milwaukee to try and set an example for the rest of the NBA.
Things are getting ugly, and they might get uglier
It's not set in stone, but Giannis leaving the Milwaukee Bucks grows closer to becoming a reality each and every day. Talking to reporters, he said, “I don’t know what game is being played right here, I just don’t wanna be a part of it.” That's the clearest indication yet that he could finally seek a change of scenery this summer and stop beating around the bush.
Even with nothing to play for, given that the Bucks have been eliminated from the playoffs, Giannis is adamant that he wants to suit up. Welcoming an investigation only fuels the idea that he thinks he is healthy enough to be out there. If the NBA finds that it is the case, the Bucks could face a significant fine and lose their superstar. What an ugly separation that would be.
If the Milwaukee Bucks were to be fined, there's no telling how much it would be. Earlier this season, the Utah Jazz were fined $500,000 for sitting key players like Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in fourth quarters of games to "tank." That was for the final 12 minutes, not entire games. Those two also didn't publicly come out and say they were healthy.
If Joel Embiid didn't come out and do the same thing recently, a player telling reporters he is being held out against his will would be unprecedented.
Bucks have a lot on their plate heading into the offseason
Milwaukee has five games left before the fireworks begin. This summer, things are expected to heat up in a hurry.
Of course, they have to reach a conclusion to this Giannis saga one way or another. Whether he stays or goes, the Bucks need finality. Either way, the roster is bound to change, and the coaching situation likely won't be too far behind. The writing has been on the wall for months that Doc Rivers could be on his way out the door this summer, which would open the door for a coaching search.
Milwaukee is also currently slated to have a pick in this year's NBA Draft, and with how bad they have been this season, it looks like it will be a high one. They must do plenty of homework to ensure that they don't miss on this one. And, finally, the results of this investigation, which has no timetable to conclude, also loom over this franchise like a black cloud.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.