Giannis Antetokounmpo has arrived in Miami to join the Bucks! First appearance with new addition Turner as Coach Rivers explores rotation options

On October 5th Beijing time, Giannis joined the Milwaukee Bucks' training for the new season for the first time. He had been recovering in Greece after a COVID-19 infection, missing the early days of training camp. Bucks coach Rivers mentioned that Giannis only engaged in non-competitive training. "He told me he still needs roughly three days to get back to full strength," Rivers explained. The Bucks officially shared photos confirming Giannis has rejoined the team, including two shots with new teammate Turner.

Giannis arrived in Miami this past Saturday (Beijing time). The Bucks held their media day on Tuesday, which he attended remotely; afterward, the team started training camp in Milwaukee and flew to Miami on Friday to conduct several days of training at Florida International University, preparing for their preseason opener against the Heat.

"COVID-19 definitely affected my body, and I’m not yet at 100% physically," Giannis said when discussing his illness. "I’m taking it day by day, gradually getting back in shape. Today I could participate in some 5-on-0 drills and do a little running. I expect to feel better tomorrow. There are about 18 days until the regular season opener, so I’m confident I’ll be ready by then."

Giannis will turn 31 in December, marking his 13th NBA season, all with the Bucks. He has been selected to the All-Star game nine times and holds one NBA championship, two regular-season MVP awards, and one Finals MVP. He is also one of only two players in the past three seasons to average at least 30 points per game, the other being Thunder star Alexander, the reigning champion.

Coach Rivers believes that Giannis missing part of the training camp might have at least one positive side. The Bucks already know well what Giannis brings to the team, and during his absence, they can experiment with rotation strategies for when he is resting on the bench.

“Every year, the key challenge for our team is how to handle the game when Giannis is off the court,” Rivers said. “So we’ve been focusing on that in practice. In the long run, this situation might actually help us.”