Courtside

Over the weekend, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo saw fit to post a lengthy message on Facebook announcing his absence from EuroBasket 2017 due to injury. Calling it “the biggest disappointment I’ve ever felt in my career,” he underscored that he wanted to suit up for Greece in the regional championships, but could not because of significant pain in his right knee. Per the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise employing his services, he was made to undergo “a series of exercises” that he had to abort shortly after starting due to extreme discomfort on even basic movements.

To argue that the hoops federation of Greece was disappointed with the turn of events is an understatement. In a news release, it noted that Antetokounmpo’s decision was borne of “an organized and well-staged plan” by the Bucks to prevent its top dog from suiting up for EuroBasket. “Everything was in full knowledge of the NBA, if not encouraged by the NBA, and the athlete was put in a very difficult position.” No doubt, it recalled the need for the reigning Most Improved Player to put off signing a contract extension so he could burn rubber for flag and country in an Olympic qualifier last year.

Needless to say, the denial came, and swiftly. “The NBA and the Bucks have followed all appropriate protocol under the NBA-FIBA agreement,” NBA senior vice-president of basketball communications Tim Frank said. “Giannis has an injury that has been confirmed through multiple examinations, and any suggestion to the contrary is false.” And according to Eurohoops.net publishing manager Nikos Varlas, Antetokounmpo has had concerns with his right knee since he was 16; in a Q&A article, the scribe pointed out that “there are many times when the knee is irritated in the meniscus area,” and that he “often plays with painkillers and injections.”

Interestingly, Antetokounmpo has missed 10 NBA games, but only one due to injury, since he was drafted 15th overall in 2013, a fact that, depending on point of view, can highlight either his durability or the care with which he looks after himself. Judging from his Facebook post, it’s clear that he wanted to play, and would have if he could — although why he couldn’t is the subject of speculation. That said, it’s also clear that he wants all and sundry to move on. “I ask everyone not to make of my absence more than it already is.”

Considering how Greece federation general secretary Takis Tsagronis has been crying foul, relations with the Bucks aren’t likely to be smoothed out anytime soon. Which is unfortunate, because Antetokounmpo is just 22 and primed for more international exposure. In the final analysis, he will invariably be making the calls, swayed by entreaties rather than criticisms.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.