After missing the start of training camp due to COVID-19, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally officially returned to team training.

This is Antetokounmpo's first team practice this season and his first public appearance since contracting the COVID-19. Head coach Doc Rivers revealed that Antetokounmpo is currently only participating in non-confrontational training.

Antetokounmpo flew to Miami on Friday to join the team and prepare for the upcoming preseason. In an interview, Antetokounmpo admitted: "This illness has had a great impact on my body. I haven't fully recovered to my best condition yet."

"I'm making adjustments step by step every day. Today I was able to do 5-on-0 training and simple running. Tomorrow will be even better. There are still 18 days until the first game. I believe I can catch up."

The Milwaukee Bucks have been training at Florida International University for the past week in preparation for Monday's preseason game against the Miami Heat. Although Antetokounmpo missed the early stages of training camp, he participated in media day remotely and remained in communication with the coaching staff.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will turn 31 in December, is entering his 13th season with the Milwaukee Bucks. A nine-time All-Star, two-time MVP, and NBA champion, he remains the core and spiritual leader of the team.

Rivers believes that Antetokounmpo's short absence this time will help the team adjust at the tactical level: "The key to our every season is the performance of the team when Giannis is resting. This period of training has made us better understand how to deal with that situation."