Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the older brother of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, has experienced a contrasting career trajectory compared to his younger sibling. In his six-year NBA tenure, Thanasis has accumulated more personal fouls (191) than successful field goals (188).

Playing alongside his brother on the Milwaukee Bucks, Thanasis has often faced scrutiny for his presence in the league. Critics argue that his spot on the team is primarily due to Giannis’s influence and desire to have his brother on the roster. Despite the skepticism, Thanasis has earned over $9 million in salary during his NBA career.

The elder Antetokounmpo’s on-court contributions have been limited, averaging 2.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. His shooting percentages, including 50.5% from the field, 14.5% from beyond the arc, and 51.7% from the free-throw line, indicate a player with limited offensive impact. Additionally, he averages 1.1 fouls per game, further emphasizing his struggles to stay on the court without accumulating fouls.

Often relegated to playing in garbage time, Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s performances have been criticized for lacking skill and entertainment value. Critics view him as one of the less impactful or essential players in the league, raising questions about the extent of his contributions to the Bucks.

While his brother Giannis is celebrated as a future Hall of Famer and one of the best players globally, Thanasis’s career has been characterized by limited playing time, modest statistics, and the perception that his roster spot is primarily due to familial ties rather than individual merit.

NBA Executives Get Real On Thanasis Antetokounmpo

NBA executives have offered candid assessments of Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s place in the league, shedding light on the perception that his roster spot may be influenced by his superstar brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Thanasis, who initially entered the NBA in 2016 and has been on the Milwaukee Bucks since 2019, played a role in the team’s 2021 championship alongside Giannis. However, he has consistently occupied a fringe role, prompting speculation about the nature of his presence in the league.

When pressed about the prospect of Thanasis securing an NBA roster spot without the assistance of his brother Giannis, NBA officials offered candid and unequivocal responses. A player personnel director left no room for ambiguity, firmly stating, “No.” A scout, following a brief moment of contemplation, echoed the sentiment with a straightforward “No.”

Despite acknowledging the potential influence of appeasing Giannis, an NBA general manager aligned with the prevailing sentiment, delivering a definitive “No.” These brutally honest responses underscore the challenging landscape that Thanasis faces in securing a spot on an NBA roster without the perceived support of his highly influential brother.

These responses underline a prevalent sentiment among NBA insiders that Thanasis might not secure a spot in the league based on his individual merit alone.

Throughout his NBA career, Thanasis has played only 176 games, with just 11 starts. His limited on-court contributions, often resulting in “Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision” designations, raise questions about his ability to perform at an NBA level independently of his brother’s influence.

While the critiques of Thanasis’s basketball skills are apparent, it’s acknowledged that he brings value to the team culture. Known for his lively personality and the ability to energize the team from the bench, Thanasis has contributed to the Bucks’ overall chemistry. However, the question lingers as to whether his cultural impact is sufficient to justify a continued spot in the league, especially if he fails to significantly contribute on the court.