Adam Silver’s new $1.8 million tournament loses superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to miss the NBA's marquee weekend after suffering injury setback.
Follow Us
Giannis Antetokounmpo set to miss All-Star Game due to injury
Another day, another setback for Adam Silver and the NBA in their uphill battle to increase viewership in the NBA. Milwaukee Bucks superstar and perennial MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss next weekend’s NBA All-Star Game due to a calf strain that has kept him sidelined for over a week. With the All-Star weekend right around the corner featuring a revamped tournament format featuring a $1.8 million prize pool, the NBA losing one of its biggest and most popular international stars is a major blow.
Antetokounmpo, who was named an Eastern Conference starter, has already missed three games since suffering the injury on Feb. 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 30-year-old forward was set to compete in Team Chuck’s lineup as part of the league’s first-ever four-team, pickup-style tournament. However, with his health taking priority, he will be forced to sit this one out.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined through the next week due to a mild calf strain and will miss the NBA All-Star Game next Sunday.
ESPN’s Shams Charania tweeted
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined through the next week due to a mild calf strain and will miss the NBA All-Star Game next Sunday, sources tell ESPN. Antetokounmpo, out since Feb. 2, is expected to return to action shortly after All-Star break. pic.twitter.com/wl8Lu6yWNq
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2025
The Greek Freak’s absence is a major setback for the league’s revamped All-Star format. The new structure, which replaces the traditional East vs. West matchup with a four-team mini-tournament, was introduced by Adam Silver and the NBA in a bid to boost viewership and competitiveness in the much-maligned All-Star Game.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, the All-Star Weekend will lose one of its biggest stars and one who has been a fan favorite in the All-Star Game for nearly a decade. This year marked his ninth selection in 11 seasons and the 5th time he has led the fan voting for Eastern Conference All-Stars.
Who can replace Giannis Antetokounmpo in the All-Star Game?
With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver now faces the task of naming a replacement. The selection of his replacement will be one of the more intriguing storylines that develop prior to the NBA’s marquee weekend, with a number of star players across the league being snubbed in the original team announcements.
One of the most talked-about snubs was Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. Despite leading the league in assists and continuing to be one of the best playmakers in the NBA, Young was not named an All-Star reserve. Although Silver and the NBA may choose to opt for a like-for-like frontcourt replacement, Young is one of the most deserving prospects for the spot.
If Commissioner Silver decides to prioritize a frontcourt player, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, Sacaramento’s Domantas Sabonis, or Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner could be leading candidates. Regardless of who replaces Giannis Antetokounmpo, his absence will definitely be felt. The Bucks star has been a constant fixture of the All-Star Game and one of its most entertaining as well.
As for the timeline for his injury, the Greek Freak is expected to return shortly after the All-Star break for Milwaukee’s first game after the break on Feb. 20 against the Clippers.
Stay Updated!
Armaan Gupta
(419 Articles Published)