Ranking every move by the Milwaukee Bucks during 2023 NBA off-season
By Dalton Sell
No. 13 – Re-signing Thanasis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks brought back Thanasis Antetokounmpo on a one-year deal, which was not overly surprising. However, Thanasis had reportedly considered playing elsewhere next season, as the New York Knicks were a legitimate suitor for him, per Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com. Ultimately, he decided to come back for a fifth consecutive season with the Bucks.
Like in previous years, Thanasis will not likely see a prominent role. He will be an energy guy off the bench, constantly hyping up his teammates, especially Giannis Antetokounmpo. When he does see the floor, the older Antetokounmpo will be tasked with providing energy and hustle, which he did in the team’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bulls.
As always, there are fans and analysts with gripes about the Bucks keeping Thanasis around, as they think that roster spot should go elsewhere. It’s truly not the end of the world, as it gives the Bucks a nice locker room piece and wing depth, and it keeps Giannis happy. There’s not much to hate with this move; it’s fine for a team that did some serious retooling this off-season.