Rivers says Bucks won't shut down Antetokounmpo for season

Milwaukee coach reiterates star player will return when healthy

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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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 the two-time MVP's uncertain return date from a calf strain. Rivers said Antetokounmpo will play when he is healthy, and the team is focused on making sure he fully recovers before returning to the court.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks has been a major storyline, with speculation swirling about his potential departure in the offseason. The Bucks' decision to keep playing him when healthy could signal their commitment to building around the superstar and making another championship run.

The details

Antetokounmpo hasn't played since straining his right calf on Jan. 23, and the Bucks haven't specified a timetable for his return. The team is 15-15 with Antetokounmpo and 6-14 without him, raising questions about whether they should rest him to improve their draft position. However, Rivers said the team will play Antetokounmpo when he's healthy, and the star's mere presence after the trade deadline has lifted the team's spirits.

  • Antetokounmpo strained his right calf on Jan. 23.
  • The NBA trade deadline passed on Feb. 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, who has reiterated the team's commitment to playing Antetokounmpo when he is healthy.

Gary Harris

A guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, who said Antetokounmpo's continued presence after the trade deadline has lifted the team's spirits.

Bobby Portis

A forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, who said the trade deadline speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo is an annual occurrence that the team has to prepare for.

Jon Horst

The general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, who faces the challenge of keeping Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee long-term.

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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 (newstribune.com)

“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 (newstribune.com)

“I think it was a relief. I thought Giannis' tweet was a unifying thing for all the players as well.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks (newstribune.com)

What’s next

The Bucks will continue to monitor Antetokounmpo's recovery and determine when he is ready to return to the court. The team's focus is on making sure he is fully healthy before playing him again.

The takeaway

The Bucks' decision to keep Antetokounmpo and play him when healthy, despite their struggles this season, signals their commitment to building around the superstar and making another championship run. However, the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo's long-term future in Milwaukee will likely remain a dominant storyline in the offseason.