Milwaukee Bucks: Grading the reserves at the halfway mark of season
By Dalton Sell
Milwaukee Bucks: All-Star break grade for Thanasis Antetokounmpo
After playing just 20 games all of last season with the Bucks, Thanasis Antetokounmpo has already surpassed that total with 26 appearances at the All-Star break.
Antetokounmo’s box score numbers will not tell the full story as he is averaging just 2.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 8.7 minutes per game. Antetokounmpo is not a double-digit scorer or top-tier playmaker, but he brings an immeasurable dose of energy and hustle that seems to ignite this team when he steps on the floor.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer has used to 28-year-old primarily as a sparkplug off the bench, and he has played that role to perfection. Whether it be throwing himself at a loose ball, playing some oftentimes too aggressive defense, or whatever else, fans will always be able to pinpoint his exact location.
Logging 19 turnovers on the season is certainly not ideal, but for what the team is asking him to do, Thanasis has been fine in the rotation. While he might not see action every game, he will remain ready for the call whenever necessary. Finding himself playing a role on one of the league’s premier contending teams, it will be interesting to see how this experiment continues.