Thanasis Antetokounmpo sustained an Achilles injury during a workout after the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round of last season’s playoffs by the Indiana Pacers. Since then, the older brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo has been out of the league but has kept a positive attitude about his current situation.
Milwaukee Bucks, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Apr 21, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) is greeted by forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) after a timeout in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The one-time NBA champion is a free agent since his contract expired in the summer. Once he is fully healed from his Achilles injury, Thanasis Antetokounmpo plans to make his NBA return soon.
“Free agency was cool, but I’m an amazing athlete so I’m coming back either way. If I come back September or I come back December, January, or February it’s OK. I understand. I already know that.” Thanasis Antetokounmpo said via Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Milwaukee Bucks, Malik Beasley, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Nov 24, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo celebrates a play with guard Malik Beasley (5) during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
“If you give me a head (start), if you give me a chance, if you give me any glimpse that I can go out there and give everything I have – I will. So, I’m very, very dedicated. And I’m patiently aggressive. I’m happy I’m in the final stages of it. So, I’m very excited,” he added.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo was a huge presence for the Milwaukee Bucks
Thanasis Antetokounmpo has spent the last five seasons of his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite his limited impact on the court, the 32-year-old swingman has been a key contributor to the team because of his unique connection with his brother Giannis.
Milwaukee Bucks, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Nov 15, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (34) speaks with his brother, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at the team bench in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
“Like him and his brother, bro, they got some different kind of connection. He can’t function or play if he doesn’t see his brother. I’m being for real. It was different, bro,” Jeff Teague said about Thanasis Antetokounmpo on the Club 520 podcast.
A few weeks ago, Keith Smith from Spotrac reported that the Milwaukee Bucks were interested in trading MarJon Beauchamp to open a roster spot for Thanasis Antetokounmpo.