Milwaukee Bucks: 3 feasible goals for Thanasis Antetokounmpo in 2021-22

In an offseason full of moves, the Milwaukee Bucks made sure to bring back a fan favorite after winning the 2021 title.

That would be Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who agreed to a new deal with the team in free agency that is being reported as a two-year, with the second being a player option. Given that the team is strapped for cash, the $3.6 million that Antetokounmpo will reportedly be paid on this new deal is very team-friendly and simultaneously a fitting deal for the 29-year-old.

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Antetounmpo was far from the flashiest target on the free agent market this past offseason, but it always seemed clear that he would make his return to Milwaukee one way or another.

While many will view it as a sentimental move, it is far more than that. His stats were never the gaudiest, but he proved that he can help the team nevertheless. Thanasis mostly earned his keep as the team’s energizer, always ensuring to keep a lively presence both on and off the floor.

As he looks to make an impact once again in 2021-22, here are three goals for Thanasis next season.

Goal No. 1 — Thanasis Antetokounmpo should dominate the hustle stats for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22

If there is one thing that Antetokounmpo is known for, it is his endless motor. Whenever he takes the floor for the Bucks, he is oftentimes the first one on the floor when there is a loose ball or the player jumping the highest to secure a rebound. His energetic presence has helped him carve out a role for himself, and he should continue playing that role of the energizer in 2021-22.

While his playing time will likely be scattered, Antetokounmpo should look to be a staple in the hustle stats department this coming season. That includes areas like deflections, contested shots, loose balls recovered, and charges drawn, among many others. Interestingly enough, Thanasis led the NBA by a country mile in loose balls recovered per 36 minutes last season at 2.1 per game, the next closest player being T.J. McConnell at 1.6 on average. Statistics like those are tailor-made for the forward.

He will never put up the most points or dish out the most assists, but that is not his role, and he seemingly understands that. Giannis Antetokounmpo can lead the charge, and Khris Middleton can score the basketball, but Thanasis can leave his mark on this team by dominating the hustle stats. Other teams might categorize Antetokounmpo as a pest because of his ever-energetic presence and immense hustle, but that is how he has made a living in this league, and he will continue to do so in 2021-22. Thanasis should aim to etch his name into the hustle leaderboards next year.