Milwaukee Bucks: Instant reactions to Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s new deal

As the Milwaukee Bucks started putting the finishing touches on their revamped roster, one question remained: Where in the world is Thanasis Antetokounmpo?

With the Bucks making a handful of interesting moves during the offseason such as signing George Hill, Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood, and trading for Grayson Allen, many questioned whether or not the 29-year-old would be returning. It seemed like an open and shut case that he would be back with the team next season, and fans can finally rejoice.

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As first reported by ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Thanasis will return to the Bucks on a new two-year deal. The current financial specifics of the deal are still unknown at the time of this writing, but one would logically think that this new contract will certainly not break the bank for the already financially depleted Bucks.

Keep an eye out for that reveal in the next few days and what other moves the team has in mind to make this work with their roster nearing full capacity.

There is not much to dislike about this news. With their free agency frenzy likely completed, bringing back Thanasis was seemingly the only thing left to check off the to-do list. They have done so in what will all likelihood be an affordable deal, on a two-year deal, nevertheless. This is a low-risk re-signing for the Bucks and one that could pay off if the forward can continue playing the role he played for them this past season and potentially continue his development for the reigning world champs.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo will be back as the energizer for the Milwaukee Bucks next season and beyond

Everyone knows that the older Antetokounmpo on the Bucks roster is not the one that will average the gaudiest numbers or take home the hardware at the end of the season.

Thanasis proved his place on this team last season by providing valuable energy, serving as the team’s hypeman off the bench. He was always a vocal presence for the team, often seen hyping up his younger brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and celebrating on the sidelines when a big play occurred. He brings a spark to the team that is unquestionably valuable, making him a solid locker room guy to keep around the team.

While he was never a key contributor for the Bucks, he did see a larger opportunity with the team this year than he had previously in his NBA career to date. During his rookie season in 2015-16, he would play just six minutes in two games with the New York Knicks. In 2019-20, his first season in Milwaukee, Thanasis would appear in 20 games, including two starts, for a total of 120 minutes. The 29-year-old would blow those numbers out of the water this past year with the Bucks by playing 551 minutes across 57 games, including three starts.

What helped him carve out a much larger role for himself was not his ability to score prolifically, space the floor to perfection, or pass the ball like none other, but it was his effort. Whenever he set foot on the floor, everyone knew Thanasis would give it 110 percent. His energy was on display in every game he appeared in, consistently hustling on both ends of the floor. The Bucks will keep using him in that role moving forward, which is tailor-made for him.

It was never a tension-filled situation because fans assumed Thanasis would eventually make his way back onto the roster, but it is now official. Welcome back, Thanasis!