PHILADELPHIA — Giannis Antetokounmpo stated it was “disrespectful” for Milwaukee to bench him over the ultimate weeks of the season whereas he stated he was wholesome sufficient to play, a stinging rebuke of the franchise as he enters a stay-or-leave offseason.

Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who led Milwaukee to its first title in a half century in 2021, stated after Sunday’s season-ending loss to Philadelphia that he realized that he had no management over his enjoying standing because the Bucks limped to the end.

Antetokounmpo was the topic of commerce hypothesis because the deadline approached, however he wasn’t dealt. He since has been in a dispute with workforce administration over his damage standing.

The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo hasn’t performed since touchdown awkwardly after a dunk on March 15. Antetokounmpo stated within the closing weeks of the season that he was wholesome and wished to play, however the Bucks continued to rule him out with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise.

Antetokounmpo didn’t play Sunday at Philadelphia in what was additionally seemingly the last recreation of Corridor of Fame coach Doc Rivers’ profession.

“Being cleared to play, I don’t perceive. I’ve by no means in my life denied participation in observe,” Antetokounmpo stated. “Whoever got here up with that’s disrespectful in direction of what I’ve achieved for this workforce and the best way I carry myself.

“I did what I used to be speculated to do. I wasn’t in a position to come on the court docket now. Who has that say? It comes from above. I assumed I had management. OK, if I’m wholesome, I’m going to play. This simply reveals me that not simply me, gamers typically, don’t haven’t any management. No, I didn’t really feel like I had management.”

Antetokounmpo had participated in current pregame warmups, exhibiting no signal of damage.

“It was draining for me, for positive,” Antetokounmpo stated. “If it was draining for me, it was undoubtedly draining for me and the group.”

Antetokounmpo stated he deliberate to place his cellphone on “don’t disturb” and attempt to keep away from the distractions that plagued the tip of his season.

The Bucks might look to commerce Antetokounmpo within the offseason, or he might signal a four-year, $275 million extension in October.

Antetokounmpo stated he had but to be formally provided the extension — no shock provided that it couldn’t be finalized for months.

“That’s too distant. It’s one thing I’ve to sit down down with my household and see what’s greatest for me, what’s greatest for my household,” Antetokounmpo stated. “Cash doesn’t imply nothing do me. Zero. Completely zero. What means one thing to me, it’s profitable.”

The Bucks put Rivers’ job in jeopardy with a dismal 32-50 season that ended the Bucks’ streak of 9 straight playoff berths.

Rivers had stated he has a “nice relationship” with Antetokounmpo and that he typically talks to the celebrity about what to work on and what so as to add to his recreation.

“I simply wish to see it finish properly for him and for the franchise. I believe they each deserve it,” Rivers stated. “Giannis is a implausible particular person. I’ve been fortunate to educate numerous stars, and he’s proper on the prime so far as good folks. I would like good folks to be taken care of.”

The Bucks reached the East finals throughout Antetokounmpo’s first MVP season in 2019 — ending an 18-year stretch with out a playoff sequence win. They gained the title two years later. However they have not gained a playoff sequence since 2022.

“We’re the furthest away we’ve been,” Antetokounmpo stated. “I didn’t assume we had been going to be on this place final yr, so I don’t know what place we will probably be in subsequent yr.”

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