Bucks' Giannis: 'I Wasn't Even Close' to Returning from Calf Injury for NBA Playoffs

On the heels of a disappointing finish to the 2023-24 season for the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo is working his way back after missing the final nine games between the regular season and playoffs due to a strained calf.

However, the two-time NBA MVP told reporters Friday that he "wasn't even close" to returning from his calf injury for the team's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers despite some hope that he'd be able to suit up.

"I did all the tests, these like protocols you have to follow and have to check the boxes... I wasn't even close," Antetokounmpo said.

Antetokounmpo suffered the injury in the third quarter of Milwaukee's 104-91 victory over the Boston Celtics on April 9. He was running up the floor after an inbounds pass when he sat on the court, favoring his left leg.

Head coach Doc Rivers told reporters on April 28 that Antetokounmpo was able to go through a hard workout that "went well" in which he was able to run "with no resistance" for the first time since the injury.

Despite that optimism, Antetokounmpo remained out for the final three games against the Pacers. Milwaukee also played Games 4 and 5 without Damian Lillard due to an Achilles injury.

Even though Lillard was able to return for Game 6, the shorthanded Bucks fell 120-98 to lose in the first round for the second consecutive year.

When Antetokounmpo was healthy during the season, he had arguably the best year of his career. The eight-time All-Star was the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 points per game while shooting 60 percent or better from the field.

As long as Antetokounmpo and Lillard are healthy going into next season, the Bucks have the potential to be as good as any team in the Eastern Conference.