Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the older brother of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, re-signed with the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year, $2.9 million deal Sunday.
The forward missed the entire 2024-25 campaign due to a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery in May 2024, though he returned to official game action in Greece's opening matchup of EuroBasket play against Italy on Thursday. Antetokounmpo played 14 minutes in the 75-66 victory, posting six points (2-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, one steal and one block.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst, head coach Doc Rivers and assistant coach Darvin Ham were all present for the victory. While it appeared they were there to watch Giannis drop 31 points and lead Greece to victory, they were also in attendance to monitor the second-oldest Antetokounmpo brother, Thanasis.
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Thanasis Antetokounmpo reflects on earning latest NBA contract
Antetokounmpo was asked whether his play Thursday had anything to do with his re-signing. He believes his ability to play his role is what earned him another contract following his devastating Achilles injury, according to Michalis Gioulenoglou of Eurohoops.net.
“For sure. They were here after the first game against Italy, and they were excited because I was playing defense,” Antetokounmpo said. “I was doing my job, that's my role. The important thing is that everyone who returns with a team, or in a tournament like this, has to prove themselves again.”
Entering his sixth season in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo is likely to provide emergency depth for the Bucks in the 2025-26 campaign. He most recently played for the team in 2023-24, finishing with averages of 0.9 points across 4.6 minutes per game in 34 regular-season appearances.
Before training camp begins, he'll finish his stint with Greece's national team in EuroBasket, during which he has averaged 3.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals across 15.8 minutes per game in four outings.
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