Bucks Won't Shut Down Antetokounmpo for Season, Will Play Him When Healthy

Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers says the team has no plans to shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season despite his calf injury.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers reiterated that the team has no plans to shut down star player Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season, despite Antetokounmpo's ongoing recovery from a calf strain. Rivers said the team will play Antetokounmpo when he is healthy, though his return date remains uncertain. The Bucks have struggled without Antetokounmpo, going 5-14 in games he has missed.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks has been a major topic of speculation, with the team's struggles this season raising questions about whether they can remain title contenders. Keeping Antetokounmpo engaged and committed to the team is crucial, as he becomes eligible for a lucrative contract extension this offseason.

The details

Antetokounmpo hasn't played since straining his right calf on January 23. While the Bucks haven't specified a timetable for his return, Rivers said Antetokounmpo is "getting close" and "looks good" in workouts. The Bucks are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, and could potentially improve their draft position by continuing to rest Antetokounmpo. However, Rivers emphasized that the team has no plans to shut down the two-time MVP for the season.

  • Antetokounmpo strained his right calf on January 23.
  • The NBA trade deadline passed on February 6 with Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and the centerpiece of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Gary Harris

A guard for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jon Horst

The general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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What they’re saying

“He's going to play when he's healthy. We've just got to make sure he's healthy. He's getting close. He's working out. He looks good. I would say hopefully sooner than later.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

“It definitely addresses the elephant that we had in the room for the past few weeks, month or so. Now it's time to focus, lock in. Rumors, speculation, all that stuff is done.”

— Gary Harris, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks

“I kept saying it, but no one wanted to hear it. I don't think I ever wavered on what was going to happen. It bothered me because the talk was almost like people were trying to manifest him out of Milwaukee. But I'm glad it's over.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

What’s next

The Bucks will continue to monitor Antetokounmpo's recovery and determine when he is ready to return to the court. Antetokounmpo will also become eligible to sign a lucrative contract extension with the team in October.

The takeaway

Despite the Bucks' struggles this season, the team remains committed to keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo as the centerpiece of their franchise. Retaining their superstar player is crucial for the Bucks' long-term championship aspirations.