Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking impending free agents by priority to re-sign

Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Milwaukee Bucks: Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Apr 8, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) /

Milwaukee Bucks free agent priority No. 4 – Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Thanasis Antetokounmpo never played the most prominent role on the court for the Bucks, but his impact on this team was always visible.

When he was off the floor, the 29-year-old was the loudest one cheering on his teammates and getting the crowd on its feet. He was the definition of an energizer, and the team certainly valued that to the fullest extent. On the floor, Thanasis kept the energy through the roof, hustling for every rebound, diving for loose balls, and playing some tenacious defense when he was able to earn some playing time. He will never put up the gaudiest numbers, but that is not what his role ultimately entails.

Likely trending toward restricted free agency, it seems clear that keeping Thanasis around on a team-friendly deal would be something worth considering. Many will point to his last name being Antetokounmpo as to why he would get another contract, but Thanasis saw a more significant opportunity this season than ever before on the floor.  Playing a career-high in minutes last year, he could serve as their utility man off the bench next year once more.

Every team needs a spark on the bench of his caliber, and while he will not be among their highest priorities, it seems reasonable to believe Thanasis will stay in Milwaukee.