Bucks star prioritizes full healing over a quick return, trusting his teammates while his calf heals.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has dealt with a frustrating season when it comes to staying healthy, and he knows rushing back would only make things worse.
After suffering a right calf strain on January 23 against the Denver Nuggets, the two-time MVP is focused on making sure his body is fully ready before returning.
Speaking to reporters, Giannis shared a message that showed how much he trusts his teammates and how serious he is about getting healthy for good.
"Don't rush to get back in the game, the team is now capable of winning games as it is, make sure your calf is completely healed," Antetokounmpo said.
A Recurring Problem That Needs Real Time
This is not the first time Giannis has dealt with calf trouble this season, which is exactly why patience matters so much.
He originally strained his right calf on December 3, missed eight games, and returned on December 27 on a minutes restriction.
Even with the Bucks being careful, the calf flared up again less than a month later, and this time could keep him out four to six weeks.
Calf strains are tricky injuries, and they become even more concerning when they keep showing up in the same spot.
Head coach Doc Rivers called the pattern "concerning" and said the team needs to bring Giannis back the right way.
At All-Star weekend, Giannis said he felt "100 percent" but acknowledged he still needs to work through full-contact drills before suiting up again.
That honesty is a good sign, because it means he is not trying to skip steps.
The Bucks Are Finding Their Footing
What makes Giannis' patience easier is the fact that Milwaukee has started playing much better without him.
The Bucks sit at 23-30 and are 12th in the Eastern Conference, but they won five of their last six games heading into the All-Star break and are only 1.5 games out of the final play-in spot.
A big reason for the turnaround has been the additions of Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng.
Thomas signed with Milwaukee after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets and has brought instant scoring to a team that struggled offensively without Giannis.
Dieng had a big game against his former team Oklahoma City with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
Veterans like Bobby Portis, who is averaging 13.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, have continued to provide steady play while Giannis recovers.
Why There Is No Reason to Rush
In 30 games this season, Giannis has been dominant when healthy, putting up 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 64.5 percent from the field.
The Bucks are clearly a different team with him on the floor, but with the roster trending upward and new pieces starting to gel, the smartest thing he can do is take every bit of time he needs.
Milwaukee doesn't return to action until February 20 against the New Orleans Pelicans, giving Giannis extra days to ramp up.
If he comes back too early and the calf goes again, the Bucks' season is all but over.
If he takes his time and returns healthy, Milwaukee has a real shot at the play-in tournament. Patience is the play here, and Giannis knows it.