After taking last year off to recover from an Achilles tear, Thanasis Antetokounmpo has rejoined the Milwaukee Bucks. While the groupthink belief is that the older Greek Freak is to simply keep younger brother Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, his impact goes far beyond just that. Giannis raved about Thanasis and what it means to have him back at Bucks Media Day.
"I love that Thanasis is on the team. I've played so many years with him. He's such an incredible leader, he's such a vocal point in the locker room. He keeps everybody together. He brings energy whenever he gets opportunities."
Thanasis brings more to the Bucks than most 15th men
Year after year, there has always been a debate regarding whether Thanasis is deserving of a final roster spot. Absolutely, and Giannis' comments only cement it. Not many 15th men can provide the type of energetic, savvy presence that Thanasis does. Over the last half-decade, he's never lost the spark that is so valuable to this Milwaukee Bucks team.
Of course, it helps that he's Giannis' brother. Former Bucks guard Jeff Teague previously talked about how Giannis needs his brother there to be his best. On his podcast, Teague said, "He can’t function or play if he doesn’t see his brother. I am being for real." That could be why Thanasis sat courtside for a good chunk of last season. It was the closest thing to being on the squad.
Everyone knows how important family is to Giannis. It's always been the most important thing to him. Coming off a EuroBasket run where he played with both Thanasis and his younger brother Kostas, he is likely thrilled that he will have a brother on the Bucks once again next season. Giannis was already at an all-time level last season. Hopefully having Thanasis back could help him reach another gear.
Now that he's back, Thanasis will reclaim his role as the team's energizer. Despite massive question marks at the small forward position, it's unclear that he will leap into the rotation, especially fresh off an Achilles tear. However, even after the injury, he showed some fluidity during his EuroBasket run, meaning he could be a decent backup option in case of an emergency if a player is needed.
While the move does complicate the Milwaukee Bucks' desire to sign Amir Coffey to a standard deal, as the roster is now full, it's a quality move. Having Thanasis back in the locker room and back on the sidelines in Milwaukee will not only be a boost for Giannis but for the entire team, who will feed off of his vibrant presence. That goes without mentioning the crowd, who love his energetic attitude.
If they can now find a way to retain Coffey after signing Thanasis, this move will look better for the Milwaukee Bucks and their questionable small forward rotation.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.