Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out of All-Star Game; De’Aaron Fox named replacement
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The Milwaukee Bucks confirmed Thursday that forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will not participate in Sunday’s All-Star Game because of the right calf strain that has kept him out since January 23.
Antetokounmpo had been selected for the World Team in the NBA’s new three-team All-Star format. In his absence, commissioner Adam Silver appointed San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox as an injury replacement. Fox will join the USA Stripes squad, while Miami Heat guard Norman Powell moves to the World roster, reflecting his Jamaican heritage.
The Bucks said Antetokounmpo will serve as an assistant coach in Friday’s All-Star Celebrity Game and plans to support his World teammates on Sunday. The seven-time All-Star is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists this season. Milwaukee, currently 12th in the Eastern Conference, faces decisions on his availability as it balances a potential play-in push with lottery positioning.
Fox, making his second All-Star appearance after debuting in 2023 with Sacramento, is averaging 19.4 points, 6.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals over 45 games. His selection gives the second-place Spurs a second All-Star alongside rookie Victor Wembanyama. The Stripes will be coached by San Antonio assistant Mitch Johnson.
Source: Hoops Rumors
