WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo may not have played in Sunday’s game against the Orlando Magic, but he did make a young fan’s day.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been without star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo for five games as he deals with left knee soreness. The fifth contest he missed was Sunday’s game against the Orlando Magic, which the Bucks won 124-87. While he did not make an impact on the court, Antetokounmpo did so off the court.
Antetokoumpo spotted a young fan in the stands of the Amway Center and called him over to court side. The Bucks star presented the child with an autographed jersey before taking a photo to create a fan for life.
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo makes a fan for life by giving them an autographed jersey
As for when Antetokounmpo will return to Milwaukee’s starting lineup, that still remains to be seen.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said that there is currently no timetable for Antetokounmpo’s return. In his absence, the Bucks have gone 2-3 in that stretch of games. While they did beat the Sacramento Kings and Magic, they lost three straight games to the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets, whom are all playoff contenders.
This season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 6.2 assist, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 56.5-percent from the field.
Sure, it stings for Bucks fans to see Antetokounmpo on the sidelines. But it is tremendous to see him give a young fan some sports memorabilia that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.