Inconsistent statements! NBA investigating Bucks: Giannis, executives, and team doctors interviewed

On April 4, renowned reporter Shams reported that the NBA is investigating the Milwaukee Bucks due to issues with the team's player participation policy enforcement and potentially contradictory statements regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo's health condition.The league has separately interviewed Giannis's team, Bucks officials, and the team's medical staff.

According to sources, the accounts provided by Giannis and the Bucks to the league investigators are completely inconsistent.The Bucks informed the NBA that they believed Giannis was not ready and that he himself wanted to play; while Giannis's side told the NBA that he wanted to play, but the team did not grant medical clearance.

The Bucks beat reporter provided detailed coverage as follows—

Giannis stated bluntly that resting "goes against my nature." The Bucks forward insisted he was physically ready to play but was forcibly kept off the court by the franchise he has served for 13 years.

"You all know who I am," Giannis told local reporters an hour before Saturday's game against the Celtics, "Someone telling me I can't play, can't compete, feels like a slap to me. I don't know where my relationship with the team will go from here."

Since suffering a left knee hyperextension against the Pacers on March 16, Giannis has been sidelined. The Bucks have listed him as injured for the past 10 games due to a bone bruise; but Giannis clearly stated on Saturday that he had already recovered and was ready to play weeks ago.

"I can play, but they won't let me," Giannis said, "I could play today, right now. Do I look like I can't play?... I'm not on the 12-man roster, not in the starting lineup."

"I don't know what game is being played here, I just want to stay out of it."

The Bucks approached Giannis suggesting he sit out the season, but the franchise's all-time scoring leader firmly refused. Giannis said on Saturday that since that conversation, the team has not communicated with him about a possible return.

"I had a preliminary talk with the people I needed to talk to, Coach Rivers and GM Horst, and I clearly said I wanted to play. Since then, no one has talked to me," Giannis said, "No one has come to tell me I can't play, or any related plans."

A source revealed that the NBA has begun investigating Giannis's injury situation, and inquiries with the Bucks are ongoing. The Players Association previously issued a statement noting Giannis is healthy and the team is keeping him off to tank.

"I've never seen a player at my level publicly say—I just want to play, you know what I mean?" Giannis said, "I've never seen this. So if an investigation is needed, investigate, it must be investigated, until things are clarified."

Before the interview, Giannis completed a full pre-game workout in the arena, as he has done almost every game since being listed as injured. The 31-year-old worked until he was sweating profusely, finishing with a windmill dunk, then conversed with coaches and teammates (including his two brothers) on the sidelines.

His older brother Thanasis has been his teammate for six years, while younger brother Alex made his NBA debut in the win over the Mavericks and scored his first career point.

"I heard someone say, 'He says he wants to play, but he really doesn't,'" Giannis said, "First, I don't know who spread that to you... Having the chance to play alongside my brother who is eight years younger, anyone saying that is an idiot."

"When I made my NBA debut, he was 11. After my father passed, I basically raised him. Now he can join the team, wear the jersey, chase his dream, do you really think I don't want to play with him? Anyone thinking that is foolish."

After losing to the Spurs on March 29, the Bucks officially missed the playoffs, securing a lottery pick. This pick is tied to swaps with the Hawks and Pelicans; the Bucks will receive the second-highest pick among the three.

"Do I understand the situation? I do," Giannis said, "We're not going to the playoffs... To some, me playing has no meaning. But to me, resting goes against my nature."

The 2025-26 season has been extremely difficult for Giannis and the Bucks. The team experienced rare recent lows, and tensions have continued to rise. Before the trade deadline, the Bucks even listened to offers for their star player, deciding to reassess in the summer.

Giannis did not deny the escalating conflict with the team, but he used marriage as a metaphor, emphasizing this disagreement doesn't necessarily mean a breakup.

"We need to go to couples counseling," Giannis said, "Sit down, communicate, each say our thoughts, then find a solution together, resolve it amicably."

The prerequisite for reconciliation is the Bucks building a roster Giannis believes can still contend for championships. Giannis has the right to sign a 4-year, $275 million extension on October 2.

But he also repeatedly emphasized in the interview that currently, both sides are completely, completely not on the same page.

"What are you telling me? My next game is in October? Why? I don't want that, absolutely not," Giannis said, "I want to play basketball, I was born to play basketball."

"I've been here 13 years, I understand the reasons after missing the playoffs: be cautious, protect your body, prepare for next season, give young players chances, I understand all that. But this shouldn't be handled this way, that's what hurts me. The team practically raised the white flag and surrendered, and I won't do that. Sorry, I can't do it, never will."