[Saba Sports News] Thanasis Antetokounmpo has been a member of the Milwaukee Bucks since the 2019/20 season, primarily serving as a benchwarmer for an extended period. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s influence has ensured his brother’s place in the NBA, leading some fans to criticize it as nepotism, particularly when underwhelming highlights from Thanasis during garbage time left them disappointed.
Some fans labeled this situation as a classic example of nepotism, while others simply described Thanasis as subpar. Fans continued to mock Thanasis for his lackluster plays in garbage time, making it evident that they viewed him as below NBA standards. Despite this, fans also acknowledged Giannis for securing his brother’s spot in the league.
Criticism arose from fans who believed that Thanasis was occupying a roster spot that could have been better utilized by a more talented player in need of the opportunity. It was clear to fans that Thanasis had job security as long as Giannis remained on the roster, raising questions about his commitment to practice given the quality of his highlights.
The controversial nature of Thanasis’ presence had persisted for some time, with some justifying it initially due to his perceived NBA value. He initially entered the league with the New York Knicks as a second-round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft but had never become a regular rotational player, instead spending years on the Bucks’ bench as a locker-room presence.
Some argued that if they were in Giannis’ position, they would also ensure a lucrative NBA career for their sibling while maintaining a close personal bond. They recognized the value of having a player who could handle the emotions and ego of the franchise’s superstar, even if another player might make better use of the opportunity. Thanasis was known to challenge Giannis in the locker room, maintaining their dynamic despite Giannis’ superior talent, thanks to his elder brother status.
The question of whether not having Thanasis on the roster would make a difference was raised. In a league with 15-player rosters, the 15th player often doesn’t see much game time, especially during the playoffs when only 8-9 players typically make the rotation. The Miami Heat had success with a thin roster and Udonis Haslem as their 15th man, providing locker room stability. Thanasis may not impact the entire Bucks locker room, but he does influence his younger brother, which is considered valuable for team harmony. The responsibility, therefore, should be placed more on the teams than the Antetokounbros, as most teams would make a similar decision given the chance.
Over his four seasons with the Bucks, Thanasis has averaged 2.7 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. While he hasn’t been a significant contributor on the court, he holds the distinction of being an NBA Champion and will likely remain on the roster as long as he can continue to play basketball at a basic level.