Bucks GM Insists Sitting Giannis Isn't About Tanking

Milwaukee's season has been riddled with controversies as they shut down their star player.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game or match, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a sense of motion and tension.The Bucks' decision to sideline their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo has fractured the team's relationship and season into a complex, multi-faceted controversy.Today in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst faced the media to address the team's decision to shut down star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season due to a knee injury and bone bruise. Horst maintained that the decision is solely about prioritizing Antetokounmpo's health and has nothing to do with tanking or draft picks, despite the Bucks' 31-47 record and elimination from playoff contention.

Why it matters

The Bucks' relationship with Antetokounmpo has been strained this season, with the team's decision to shut him down sparking an NBA investigation into potential violations. This controversy comes at a critical juncture, as ESPN reports the Bucks have accepted the 'inevitability' of trading the two-time MVP in the offseason.

The details

Antetokounmpo has not played since March 15 due to his injury, but he has said he is healthy and wants to play. The Bucks, however, have decided to shut him down for the remainder of the season. Horst stated that Antetokounmpo is 'not cleared to play yet in a game' and the team will continue to evaluate his status, insisting the decision is solely about the player's health and not about tanking or draft picks.

  • Antetokounmpo has not played since March 15.
  • The Bucks' season-long controversies have come to a head in recent weeks.

The players

Jon Horst

The general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The star forward of the Milwaukee Bucks, a two-time NBA MVP who has been limited to a career-low 36 games this season due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“'He's not cleared to play yet in a game, and we're going to continue to evaluate it. It has nothing to do with draft picks. It has nothing to do with tanking. It has everything to do with the health of the player.'”

— Jon Horst, Milwaukee Bucks General Manager

What’s next

The NBA has started an investigation into any possible violations by the Bucks regarding their handling of Antetokounmpo's injury and shutdown. The Bucks' offseason will also be closely watched, as ESPN reports they have accepted the 'inevitability' of trading the two-time MVP.

The takeaway

The Bucks' decision to shut down their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season has sparked controversy and an NBA investigation, raising questions about the team's relationship with their two-time MVP and their plans for the future.