Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned from injury, but his comeback has come with a pointed message for the NBA.
As the league continues to enforce its 65-game minimum requirement for major regular-season awards, Antetokounmpo is urging officials to reconsider a rule he believes places elite players in an increasingly difficult position.
Giannis questions the NBA’s 65-game rule
Speaking in comments shared on social media by @BucksLead, Antetokounmpo openly expressed his frustration with the current award eligibility criteria.
While the two-time MVP acknowledged that he will still attempt to reach the 65-game threshold, he emphasized how challenging that goal becomes after years of deep playoff runs and the physical wear that comes with them.
“The margin of error is hard,” Giannis Antetokounmpo said, explaining how even a single legitimate injury can derail an entire awards campaign.
His concern isn’t limited to his own situation, but extends to several of the league’s biggest stars who consistently shoulder heavy workloads.
Star players left with no room for setbacks
Antetokounmpo highlighted how unforgiving the rule can be, particularly for veteran players or those expected to lead contending teams every postseason.
He pointed out that one untimely injury could erase months of elite performance, regardless of dominance when healthy.
“I might not make it. Jokic might not make it. LeBron’s not going to make it. Wemby might not make it,” he said, underscoring how the policy could exclude many of the NBA’s most impactful players from award consideration.
The Bucks forward also injected humor into the discussion while making his point clear. “Who’s going to be available, just Shai?” he joked, referencing how the awards race could narrow dramatically if top candidates continue to miss games due to injuries.
A call for reconsideration, not exemption
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comments were not framed as a demand for special treatment, but rather as a broader request for the league to reassess how it balances availability with performance.
As players age and seasons grow more physically demanding, he believes the current structure may no longer reflect the realities of the modern NBA.
With Antetokounmpo back on the floor and pushing toward another strong season, his remarks add fuel to an ongoing debate around player health, longevity, and how greatness should be measured in today’s game.