Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play for Greece in the FIBA Eurobasket tournament due to a knee injury. The tournament begins August 31 and will be played until September 17. Tests conducted by Bucks personnel in China revealed Antetokounmpo’s knee issues. However, the team did not reveal the complete diagnosis on his knee. On Facebook, Antetokounmpo said he failed to complete physicals because of excessive pain. He was scheduled to join Greece in time for the tournament but his knee problems alarmed the Bucks, who immediately performed the tests in China.

Antetokounmpo expressed sadness that he cannot compete for Greece in the Eurobasket, saying his failure to play is the “biggest disappointment that I have felt so far in my career.” Antetokounmpo went to China to attend a basketball tournament in Shanghai as an NBA ambassador.

Greece accused Bucks of hatching plan

Hours after the Antetokounmpo released a statement on Facebook, Greece's basketball federation accused the Bucks and the NBA of hatching a well-staged plan” to keep Antetokounmpo from playing in the Eurobasket. The federation said it was not surprised by the announcement by both the Bucks and Antetokounmpo of his decision to skip Eurobasket. The federation added that the #NBA has full knowledge, if not consent, to the Bucks plan to prevent their superstar from taking part in the international tournament.

According to Takis Tsagronis, the federation general secretary, a scan showed no problems with Antetokounmpo's knee as it came up clean. for his part, called on everyone not to make a big deal out of his absence and focus on the guys who will carry Greece’s torch in the Eurobasket. The Bucks superstar also wished his team success in the tournament.

Antetokounmpo recently signed $100M deal

Recently, Antetokounmpo signed a fresh four-year deal with the Bucks worth $100 million. The value of the contract will kick in September. Since he joined the NBA in 2013, Antetokounmpo has yet to miss more than five games in a season. Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged career highs of 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.6 steals, making it to the All-NBA Second Team and winning the Most Improved Player honors. The Bucks said Antetokounmpo will now focus on his recovery and preparation for the of the 2017-18 season. Milwaukee will begin its campaign against the Boston Celtics on October 18 at TD Garden.
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