Milwaukee Bucks: Player grades for 2019 FIBA World Cup

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

World Cup stat line: 6.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists, .545/.375/.500

Players can only be graded on a curve relative to the expectations established by their previous body of work, and in that regard, there’s a strong case to be made that Thanasis was a lot closer to his best at the World Cup than his younger brother was.

Thanasis had shown positive signs in limited bursts in Greece’s exhibition slate prior to heading out to China, and he largely carried that over to the tournament itself.

At times it felt as if the 27-year-old was being used as a ‘Break Glass in Case of Emergency’ option, but there’s also reason to believe that may be exactly when he’s at his best.

Thanasis’ energy often fueled some of Greece’s very best runs, and as they fought for their tournament lives and chased a point differential target against the Czechs, it was a truly breathtaking four-minute spell from Thanasis that left them with any real hope.

In a burst like that, he takes over a game. It’s not as forceful or as muscular as the more regular spells when Giannis does the same, but there’s an undoubted resemblance in how the Antetokounmpos seize on momentum and impart their will on proceedings.

From a Bucks perspective, there was a lot to like about Thanasis’ World Cup play, most of all his above average three-point shooting. If that can hold up over the slightly longer distance in the NBA, he really could surprise a lot of skeptics over the course of the upcoming season.

Final grade: B-

With the World Cup officially wrapped up, it’s now full steam ahead toward the new Bucks season. After all, the start of training camp is just around the corner.