Milwaukee Bucks: Grades for Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2-year, $3 million deal
By Adam McGee
Fit
With a really major role in terms of playing time unlikely for Thanasis outside of injuries, there’s a strong chance that he’ll spend a lot of his next two seasons cheering the team on from the sidelines rather than being a key cog in Milwaukee’s rotation. For many, that could quickly become an issue, but Thanasis’ positive attitude and willingness to work should prevent such issues.
Thanasis isn’t lacking in self awareness, and never has been. As far back as prior to the 2014 NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo explained to reporters that his approach has long been to assume he’s the worst player on the floor, and know that he therefore has to outwork everyone else as a result. That sentiment carries an eerie resonance years later as Thanasis gets his big opportunity with the Bucks:
"“If he works twice, I’ve got to work four times. If he works four times, I’ve got to work eight, because he’s already better than me, he’s already here in the States, and I just got here. I have to work better than him, and I don’t think that’s going to stop.”"
In terms of his fit with Milwaukee, that may be the most important element of all too. Thanasis possesses the same understated demeanor, quiet determination, and insatiable appetite for work that is present throughout the Bucks’ roster. He’ll fit right in with the mindset and mentality the team has developed, and may even stand to benefit from being surrounded by others with an equally diligent approach.
At 6’6″ and with a 7’0″ wingspan, Thanasis has the potential to soak up minutes at positions 2 through 4. His lack of shooting ability doesn’t make him an obvious fit for what Mike Budenholzer’s team look to do offensively, but he seems like a safe bet to take it all in, learn how the coaches feel he can help the team, and then do all he can to deliver on that front.
Long arms and athleticism offer up an obvious defensive fit, whether anything more develops is the key question in terms of potential impact. The famed Antetokounmpo work ethic should never be underestimated, though, as Bucks fans already know all too well.