The Milwaukee Bucks started the preseason with uncertainty. After an offseason filled with reshuffling and trades, most notably the stretch-and-waive move on Damian Lillard to acquire Myles Turner, franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has struck with an unfortunate COVID-19 bout right before Media Day. However, recently, an update regarding his condition has been issued.

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers put all the speculation to rest on Saturday, telling Bucks reporter Erick Nehm, “Giannis Antetokounmpo went live five-on-five at today’s practice,” and revealed that Giannis would be back on the court soon:   “They plan on having him play on Sunday against the Bulls.“

Giannis’ return comes after the ramp-up from COVID has sidelined him for multiple preseason games, including against the Heat and the Pistons. Though the Bucks won both games, Giannis was sorely missed as Rivers ran experimental lineups. The progression from drills to full-contact practice highlights Milwaukee’s current philosophy: ramp Giannis up carefully during preseason so he can be ready to shoulder regular minutes-loads come regular season.

It can be expected that Giannis won’t play heavy minutes as he’s eased into the rotation by coach Rivers, reflecting a commitment to stability. The team’s patience shows that, despite pressure mounting on preseason performances, the focus remains on sustainable health and cohesion instead of rushing to get immediate results.

The Bucks have many things to iron out for the preseason, mainly, who to start at point guard. With the loss of Damian Lillard, there’s a significant gap at the one, with the most likely candidate to fill it in Kevin Porter Jr., who had a solid second half of the season in Milwaukee, improving his all-around efficiency while increasing his scoring average by almost 2.5 points. The question for him now is if he can maintain this level of play, and whether that will be enough to keep the Bucks afloat.

Amid External Noise, Giannis and Bucks Focus on the Now

The Milwaukee Bucks are also facing a lot of external noise this season. According to insider Shams Charania’s recent report, there were negotiations about Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially ending up with the New York Knicks. However, Giannis and Doc Rivers have publicly addressed the rumors and clarified that it isn’t in their immediate future.

Giannis told reporters he’s locked in with the rest of the Bucks, saying, “I want to be in a situation that I can win, and now I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team wherever we can go, and it’s definitely going to be hard. We’re going to take it day-by-day, but I’m here.”

Rivers, meanwhile, shut down reports of any legitimate move to trade Giannis, calling Charanisa’s report “unbelievable.” He also said, “I can tell you [general manager Jon Horst] has never called a team about Giannis. That has never happened. And until that happens, you really don’t have a story.”

However, Giannis didn’t shut down trade talks permanently. In the same interview, he said, “Now, if in six, seven months, I change my mind, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want.” Giannis remains with the Bucks for now, but if things get off to a messy start with the team struggling, his future in Milwaukee will definitely be called into question.