The Bucks officially announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the All-Star Game! Fox replaces him, and Powell is moved to the World Team.

On February 13th Beijing time, the Bucks confirmed that Giannis will not participate in the All-Star Game. This news was expected, as he has been sidelined since suffering a right calf strain on January 24th. Giannis was originally selected for the World Team under the new three-team format.

The league announced that Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox was chosen by Commissioner Adam Silver as a replacement, but he will not join the World Team; instead, he will represent the USA Stripes team. Meanwhile, Heat player Norman Powell will be reassigned to the World Team due to his Jamaican heritage.

The Bucks stated that Giannis will assist in coaching the All-Star Celebrity Game on Saturday and cheer for his World Team teammates on Monday. The perennial All-Star is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season and was involved in trade rumors before last week’s deadline.

Currently, the Bucks sit 12th in the Eastern Conference, and Giannis’s return date remains a focus. Upon his comeback, the Bucks hope to compete for a play-in spot; however, the team might limit his playing time or even shut him down for the season to improve their draft position.

This marks Fox’s second All-Star selection, his first being in 2023 with the Kings. This season, he has played 45 games, averaging 32 minutes, 19.4 points, 6.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.

Fox will join Victor Wembanyama as another All-Star representative for the Spurs, who currently hold second place in the Western Conference. The Stripes team will be coached by Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson.