Milwaukee Bucks: 3 players to step up with Bobby Portis, Semi Ojeleye out

Thanasis Antetokounmpo must be prepared to step up for the Milwaukee Bucks following frontcourt injuries

Among the player featured on this list, Thanasis Antetokounmpo seems like the likeliest to see his playing time and role increase. After all, he has been with the organization the longest, and Budenholzer has been willing to utilize him frequently in the past. His minutes have always been up and down, but this could be his moment to earn more time.

Antetokounmpo gives the Bucks a versatile piece that can play either forward position and give them quality minutes. He will not stuff the stat sheet, but he will go out there and give it his all each and every play. Offensively, Antetokounmpo is limited, but he will get the occasional dunk or putback layup to get the crowd cheering. Defensively, he is often overaggressive, but that energy he brings on that side of the ball is always appreciated.

Where Thanasis truly contributes is with his hustle. If there is a loose ball, he will be on the floor in an attempt to secure it. If the Bucks need someone to hound an opposing player, he will do his part to slow them down, or at least tire them out. He prides himself in doing all of the little things rather than scoring the most points or dishing out the most assists, and that is how he can help the team as they brace to be without some key pieces for the foreseeable future. His playing time has steadily increased over the past two seasons with the Bucks, and that will likely be the case in year three as well.

Keep an eye on Antetokounmpo, Nwora, and Mamukelashvili as the Bucks take on the Nets in tonight’s highly-anticipated action.