Milwaukee Bucks fans received a dose of bad news this week, as veteran forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the older brother of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, will undergo surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. This setback throws a wrench into Thanasis’s plans on multiple fronts.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania first reported the injury. According to reports, Thanasis appeared healthy during the Bucks’ final playoff game against the Indiana Pacers. However, a workout this week revealed the Achilles tear, requiring surgery.
This injury deals a double blow to Thanasis. Not only will he miss a significant portion, if not all, of the upcoming NBA season, but it also sidelines him from competing with the Greek national team this summer. Thanasis played a more prominent role for Greece last year when Giannis opted out. Now, Greece’s quest for an Olympic berth will be without his veteran presence.
The 31-year-old Thanasis has carved out a valuable role for the Bucks in his five seasons with the team. Primarily a reserve player, he averaged just under five minutes per game this season. However, his hustle, defensive intensity, and locker room leadership have made him a fan favorite.
Thanasis has consistently opted for one-year deals with the Bucks, prioritizing staying alongside his brother and remaining a part of the Milwaukee culture. This upcoming free agency period was expected to follow the same pattern. However, the torn Achilles raises questions about the Bucks’ willingness to bring him back, considering the lengthy recovery time.
While Thanasis’s on-court contributions may not always show up on the stat sheet, his impact on the Bucks goes beyond points and rebounds. His absence will be felt both on the court and within the team dynamic. Bucks fans will undoubtedly hope for a full and speedy recovery for Thanasis, but for now, the focus shifts to supporting the team as they navigate the upcoming season without their beloved teammate.
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