Milwaukee Bucks: Grades for Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2-year, $3 million deal

Overall grade

Let’s make no bones about it, this deal is a low cost flyer on a player who will likely log very few minutes with the Bucks. That’s not even entirely a reflection on Thanasis as much as how NBA rosters are constructed, and the talent that’s already in place and proven in Milwaukee.

Some of the initial reaction to this deal on social media has already been heated in regard to the team signing a player whose career averages from Europe and the U.S. are patently underwhelming, but judging Thanasis in that regard is likely unfair.

Thanasis’ game is not suited toward racking up gaudy totals in the box score as, like 99.999999 percent of the planet, he’s not Giannis. Instead, he’s a hard-working journeyman pro who’s prepared and happy to do whatever it takes to help his team to amass wins.

In other words, the deal for Antetokounmpo has just brought forward the kind of discussions that often kick off when the Bucks are left to choose between four end of roster style pros for a final spot during training camp. It’s not worth getting upset about, nor is it overly due criticism for presenting as a signing that could be largely inconsequential. Spoiler: Most veteran minimum deals are.

In fact, the reality is there’s greater scope for positives with Thanasis than what could have been some of the alternatives. The worst case scenario is the Bucks have a 15th man who they can’t turn to for any kind of meaningful minutes, just as the rest of the league will. In this case, though, the signing of that player acts as a move that will be a source of great joy for the most important person in the entire organization, Thanasis’ brother Giannis.

Alternatively, perhaps with the opportunity of a lifetime and the most accomplished coaching staff he’s ever played under, Thanasis could find something. If he becomes a player who can offer even 8-10 quality, relief minutes while also strengthening his brother’s relationship with the franchise, this deal will be an incredible bargain.

Either way, the Lopez twins have company in the form of two of the Antetokounmbros. The Bucks are all in on brothers for the 2019-20 season.

BTBP Final Grade: B-