Bucks coach says Antetokounmpo will play when healthy and won't be shut down for the season

Coach Doc Rivers said Friday the Bucks do not plan to shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo for the season, but the two-time MVP's return from a right calf strain remains uncertain.

Coach Doc Rivers said Friday the Milwaukee Bucks do not plan to shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined with a right calf strain and has not played since Jan. 23. Rivers said the player is working out, looks good and "is going to play when he's healthy." The trade deadline passed with Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee, and his presence eased speculation about his future. Key details: - Doc Rivers reiterated the team has no plans to shut down Antetokounmpo and said, "He's going to play when he's healthy." - Antetokounmpo strained his right calf on Jan. 23 and initially expected to miss four to six weeks; the Bucks have not announced an official timetable. - Milwaukee sat 12th in the Eastern Conference and entered Friday 15-15 with Antetokounmpo and 5-14 without him. - Antetokounmpo remained with the team through the trade deadline and posted on social media that "Legends don't chase. They attract." - He will be eligible in October for a four-year contract extension worth up to $275 million; he has one year left on his 2023 extension and a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. Summary: Rivers' remarks reiterate the Bucks' immediate plan to play Antetokounmpo once he is medically cleared and note that his presence has lifted team morale after the trade deadline. The team has had different results with him available and while he is sidelined, and its playoff position has been affected this season. The exact return date and the longer-term outcome remain undetermined at this time.