Doc Rivers Discusses Giannis Playing Basketball Over the Summer

NBA players are generally allowed to do what they want over the summer. Of course, their contracts have certain limitations, like not allowing players to do things like ride a motorcycle or ski. Still, how players decide to spend their free time is usually up to them. 

This always comes up with a lot of the international players. During the summer, there are hugely important international basketball tournaments, and a lot of the players like to represent their country and play. 

Even playing in the Olympics can be something that NBA teams would prefer their players not to do. Players getting injured while playing intense games for a different team can be a disaster for their NBA employers. 

Recently, Doc Rivers was asked about Giannis Antetokounmpo and if his play during the summer should be allowed. 

"Well, we do it in the summer. [Giannis] doesn't play in the summer on back-to-backs. He had a minute restriction all summer, which frustrated him. In the summertime, yeah, we always have a minute restriction for him until the last two games, where he goes out and plays. We do that all summer. Even practice restriction as far as amount of time, loads on the floor during the summertime, so we have a guy there full-time with him. And I gotta assume every other team does too with their guys. But how do you tell a guy not to play for his country? That's not going to happen ever, especially in Giannis' case. He's the hero of Greece and so he almost has to play."

It is interesting to hear that the Bucks are so closely monitoring Giannis’ play during the offseason. It makes sense; he is the most important part of their entire franchise. That has been clearer than ever with the Bucks' poor play this season when Giannis is out of the lineup.