Grading Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s compelling new deal with the Bucks

Assessing Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s fit and role with the Milwaukee Bucks

As previously mentioned, Thanasis’ role in this team is as a locker room presence and a calming figure for Giannis when things are going tough. Last season he did only play 37 games, averaging 5.6 minutes and just 1.4 points per game.

Towards the latter stages of the season, he did see more minutes and put up decent stat lines that prove he can still perform well when required. In April against the Memphis Grizzlies, he scored 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, shooting .545 from the field. He followed that up with 14 points against the Toronto Raptors while shooting .500 from the field.

I understand the argument that this roster spot could have gone to a younger player with something to prove and potentially grow into a solid rotational piece. However, we know this move is for more than just on-court reasons, and I can understand why the front office continues to keep Thanasis.

He adds familiarity in the locker room and will help with the new guys, in particular the draft picks, when it comes to bedding in quickly with the rest of the roster. If needed he adds an extra body at the forward position if injuries occur during the season. As the 15th man on the roster, most players don’t see much game time, and it is understandable that some fans may be annoyed by this, but if Thanasis signing is a way to keep Giannis, then it is vital for the Bucks to keep him.

To conclude, Thanasis is a locker room guy that will mostly play garbage minutes to let other players rest.