Thanasis Antetokounmpo returns to Bucks; Goran Dragic, Jae Crowder still out
After missing March 16-21, which included games against Indiana and Toronto, Thanasis Antetokounmpo rejoined the Bucks moments before tipoff Wednesday night. The fifth-year forward said he was gone for a personal matter.
“I’m OK, I just had some personal stuff to take care of,” he said. “It’s amazing. We’re a family here so they try to support me. I kind of felt the need that I had to (go).”
His younger brother noted the lack of energy on the Bucks bench during their surprising loss to the Pacers on March 16, which drew a smile from the 30-year-old.
“We’re all together as a family so we know when guys are missing,” Thanasis said. “Even now, seeing Sandro (Mamukelashvili with San Antonio) playing for the other team, seeing Jordan (Nwora with Indiana) it’s like man, these guys were part of the team. But I’m glad, I’m happy they noticed I was missing! So it’s good. It’s a good thing.”
Bucks still waiting on Goran Dragić, Jae Crowder’s return
For a brief moment, it appeared veteran point guard Goran Dragić would make his Bucks debut on their last West Coast trip March 11-14. But as they got to the Bay Area to play Golden State, he was ruled out with left knee soreness – an issue that had shelved him for his last four games with Chicago from Feb. 15-26.
Before his first game on the Bucks’ roster on March 5, Dragić told the Journal Sentinel he could be better but felt he was getting to a good place to return soon, but he still hasn’t seen the court.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said on March 19 he didn’t think working with the team’s G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, would be in play for Dragić.
Crowder, acquired in early February at the trade deadline, has missed the last three games with left calf soreness after playing 11 straight games following the all-star break.
The Bucks play three games in three cities over four days March 24-27, but Budenholzer was noncommittal if either would play in Utah (Friday), Denver (Saturday) or Detroit (Monday).
“I think it’s right on the window of possibility,” Budenholzer said. “There’s a chance they’re not available, but there is a chance that they are. They’re working, both of them hard, making good progress. We’ll just see how it goes during that stretch.”
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Thanasis Antetokounmpo returns to Bucks, Goran Dragic, Jae Crowder out
