After missing the first week of Bucks training camp with COVID-19, now-recovered nine-time All-NBA forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has reported to the team, writes Eric Nehm of The Athletic. For now, the 6’11” superstar has yet to take contact in workouts.
“Obviously, I think it took a toll on my body,” Antetokounmpo said of his recent illness. “I’m not feeling 100 percent yet, physically. Just take it day by day. Get back in shape. I was able to do some 5-on-0. Run up and down a little bit. Tomorrow, a little better. I got 18 days until the first game, so I think I’ll be fine.”
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- The Pistons’ preseason tipped off on Monday night with a matchup against Memphis. In a preseason primer ahead of that game, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic projects a revamped Detroit’s depth chart, with new wings Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson joining the second unit while Jaden Ivey returns from a leg injury and looks to reclaim his spot in the starting backcourt alongside Cade Cunningham.
- Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is being forced to make some difficult choices about his rotation this year in training camp, writes Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press. “The way camp has gone, there’s not one guy out here that I can tell you doesn’t deserve to play,” Bickerstaff said. “Camp has been so, so competitive and guys have played at such a high level, I’m pleased with the depth that we have but we have some tough decisions to make because of it.” Bickerstaff is taking stock of veteran reserves Javonte Green and Paul Reed, second-year forward Bobi Klintman, and rookie guard Chaz Lanier as he figures out the end of his bench.
- In case you missed it, Cavaliers reserve guard Lonzo Ball will be playing on a minutes limit and won’t suit up in back-to-backs when the regular season begins.