Giannis Antetokounmpo made a long-awaited return from a right calf strain against the Boston Celtics on Monday night, but Milwaukee Bucks fans witnessed the same old story as they watched their team suffer a 108-81 blowout loss. 

Antetokounmpo played 25 minutes and recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds in his first action since Jan. 23. 

His 15-game absence came on the back of a calf strain in December and a groin issue earlier in the campaign. The loss to the Celtics dropped the Bucks to 0-3 in their last three outings, leaving them six games behind the Atlanta Hawks, who currently occupy the final play-in spot in the East. 

The 31-year-old forward has openly admitted that it hasn’t ever gotten this bad in all his years in Milwaukee. 

“This is one of the toughest seasons I’ve had in my NBA career,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’ve had injuries, we are not playing well as a team. Something feels off this season.”

Milwaukee has certainly struggled without its franchise cornerstone being on the floor this season. Antetokounmpo has appeared in just 32 games this season and, while his average of 27.7 points on 63.6% from the field is still elite, it is his lowest scoring output in eight years. 

Antetokounmpo is Trying His Best to Stay Professional

The one-time NBA champion was a subject of trade rumours before the trade deadline, which showed that teams are still banking on his abilities to lead them to a championship. The Bucks kept a hold of him, but there is a sense that the current state of things may force their hands in the coming offseason. 

The Greek superstar has faced more injury setbacks this season than any other in his 13-year career. He has always been a 60-game season player but is currently on course to play less than that this year. However, he refuses to let the unfortunate difficulties define him. 

“I try to fall back to why I love this game, the passion and finding joy,” he said.

The Bucks have a mountain to climb if they are to earn the playoff spot at least, but if they are to stand any chance, their superstar power forward has to remain on the floor and healthy. Otherwise, Milwaukee risks missing the postseason for the first time in 10 years.

Antetokounmpo has always maintained that he still loves Milwaukee, and every trade rumor that surfaces ends with him remaining, at least for now. But in a season where a playoff berth seems unlikely, it is highly likely both parties will explore what may be in store for the future once the season is over.