Thanasis tearing it up
When the Bucks signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and later when I tuned into watch Greece compete at the FIBA World Cup, I felt relatively confident that I knew what the elder Antetokounmpo was about and what he could bring. I’d watched him play for Greece in the past, and I’d seen plenty of film snippets and highlights online.
On that front, as the World Cup rolled on, and Giannis largely continued to struggle, I found my eyes gradually opening to what Thanasis might actually be, rather than simply what my perception of him, and the largely condescending discourse that surrounds his game, had assumed him to be.
The line on Thanasis has always been that he brings energy but is largely unpolished when it comes to his skills. That statement is both accurate and inaccurate, as words simply can’t do justice to just how much Thanasis can energize a team with his vibrance, competitiveness and determination.
That was apparent in the World Cup as he showed the ability to put together bursts of dominant defense on one end, and scoring by force of sheer hunger and will on the other end. Still, as Giannis’ struggles had demonstrated, FIBA is a very different game.
A near double-double from the 27-year-old on Monday offered a first hint that Thanasis impact could translate to an NBA setting, and with nine points and five rebounds on a perfect 4-of-4 from the field on Wednesday, it’s tough not to start getting a little excited about what he could offer the Bucks.
For all of the talk about energy, spirit, and the other intangibles that are deservedly attributed to Thanasis, the one that’s been most striking of all in his first two games with the Bucks seems to be greatly under-discussed.
Thanasis appears to be supremely confident when he takes to the court. He’ll take the ball in his hands, drive at the defense, attempt jump shots, and won’t back down to any opponent.
Maybe this is where being Giannis’ brother helps most. Not only does it mean that Thanasis has an existing familiarity with the Bucks’ organization and players, but it also means reputations don’t faze him. When your brother is the MVP, and the same guy you both work out with and hang out with on a daily basis, I’d guess the famous faces, bright lights, and storied franchises of the NBA suddenly become much less intimidating.
As Thanasis put in a second consecutive impressive performance on Wednesday, he looked skilled in a way that would take away the surprise from him actually becoming a meaningful rotation piece this season. As a reminder, this is a player that’s only played six minutes of regular season NBA basketball in his career, and yet he looks completely unafraid of the moment and the opportunity that’s in front of him.
The Bucks having another Antetokounmpo built in that mold could yet cause unexpected headaches for the rest of the league.
The Bucks will be back in action at 7.30pm CT on Friday as they’ll visit Texas to take on the Dallas Mavericks.