Giannis, after contracting COVID-19 in 2025: "I'm still not at 100%"

The 2025/26 NBA season is very close. Right now, the training camp is underway, a preseason of games that helps the stars get ready for the opening matches. However, for the Milwaukee Bucks, the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo is being delayed due to COVID-19. Although he is starting to recover from the illness he contracted in his native Greece.

Antetokounmpo returned to action this Saturday. The two-time NBA MVP reappeared at the team's facilities and took part in his first session, although limited to non-contact work. The return of the Greek star, who had been isolated for several days, was met with relief within the organization. Nevertheless, Doc Rivers was cautious about his reintegration.

"Giannis said he will need three days," commented the head coach of the Bucks. "We want him to regain his rhythm gradually. There's no rush. The important thing is for him to be strong when the season starts," he added.

Antetokounmpo himself spoke to the media after practice and acknowledged that the virus left him with temporary physical effects: "I think it affected me. I still don't feel a hundred percent," admitted the Greek. "I'm just taking it day by day, getting back in shape. Today, I was able to do some 5-on-0 and run a bit. Tomorrow, I'll be a little better," he said.

The 30-year-old player stated that his main goal in these early days is to regain his usual energy level and not rush back to competitive pace: "I know my body needs time, and I respect that. But I'm glad to be back with my teammates," he added.

Doc Rivers sees the positive side

The Bucks' coach viewed his star's temporary absence as an opportunity to continue developing the rest of the team: "The key to our team every year is the minutes when Giannis is off the court," he explained. "So, this week has served us to experiment, adjust rotations, and seek solutions. Maybe it will help us in the long run," he concluded.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Giannis, tras contagiarse de COVID-19 en 2025: "Aún no estoy al 100%"