Thanasis Antetokounmpo: Balancing Brotherhood, Basketball, and Contract Uncertainty in the NBA

Nepotism often sparks debate in the NBA. For instance, Bronny James, son of LeBron James, secured a spot in the National Basketball Association when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Despite being assigned to the G League for his first year, he’s earning a reported $7.9 million over four years as the 55th pick. Many speculate the Lakers selected him to appease LeBron James and create history as the first father-and-son duo to play together for the same team.

James’ drafting brought attention to another instance of nepotism in the league: Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019 alongside his brother, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The nepotism debate intensified when NBA legend and sports commentator Charles Barkley remarked during the 2022 All-Star Game, "[Thanasis] right here has the best job security in the history of civilization … that boy’s always going to have a job as long as his brother is in demand."

Noting their close bond, many suspected the Milwaukee Bucks signed Thanasis to a $2 million-a-year contract to maintain good relations with Giannis. In interviews, Thanasis expressed his desire to support his brother in the US while the rest of their family remains in Greece. However, critics view this as a strategic move by the Bucks to retain Giannis while negotiating contracts.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s Background

Born to Nigerian parents who immigrated to Greece, Giannis and Thanasis are two of five brothers, including Kostas and Alex, who are also professional basketball players, and Francis, a musician.

Thanasis entered the NBA when he joined the Milwaukee Bucks, making him and Giannis the second pair of brothers in NBA history to play on the same team. He initially withdrew from the 2013 NBA draft to continue playing for EFAO Zografou B.C. in Athens.

After Giannis’ success in the NBA, Thanasis played in the Development League with the Delaware 87ers, followed by a stint with the New York Knicks in 2014 and a return to Europe in 2016 with MoraBanc Andorra. He later played for Panathinaikos in Greece before rejoining the NBA with the Bucks in 2019.

NBA Contracts and Family Dynamics

Thanasis’ contributions to the Bucks are primarily supportive, with minimal points averaging 2.8 per game in the 2023-24 season. Critics argue he hasn’t earned his place solely based on merit, especially as Giannis secures multi-million-dollar contracts.

In a recent interview, Giannis revealed choosing Nike over Adidas due to the latter’s reluctance to sign Thanasis. Giannis renewed his contract with the Bucks for over $175 million for three years, while Thanasis is currently a free agent this summer, with uncertainty over his future with the team.

The Bucks’ brief signing of Alex in 2023, followed by his quick release, suggests the team may be considering more strategic player acquisitions to optimize the roster.

Celebrating Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s Birthday

Today, July 18, 2024, marks Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 32nd birthday, adding another dimension to discussions about his career trajectory and family ties in professional sports.