Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks often get criticized for Thanasis Antetokounmpo having a seemingly permanent place on their roster. However, Thanasis' impact in keeping Giannis functioning at his highest level is worth the roster spot, as indicated by Jeff Teague who explained how Thanasis not being in the locker room almost cost the Bucks the 2021 NBA Finals.
"Giannis' brother, when we went down 0-2, he had COVID. So, he couldn't come to the plane. That's why we went down 0-2, Giannis was messed up. Like him and his brother, bro, they got some different kind of connection. He can't function or play if he doesn't see his brother. I'm being for real. It was different, bro. He was like, 'Where TA at? Where is TA at?' We're in the middle of the game, and I'm like, 'Bro, we're in the Finals.'"
Teague then explained how Thanasis' making an early COVID recovery to be a part of the team dramatically altered the series, helping him realize his true impact.
"So, TA makes this magical like COVID recovery. I know he still had it. Ain't no way, bro. It's 14 days, bro, he's back in three. He's back; his energy was contagious. Like he running in the locker room - COVID, everything, yelling, screaming, And I'm like, 'Yeah, he matters.' He makes a difference for our team. When he's not here, something's not clicking. But when TA was there, he made it like he mattered."
Thanasis has heard multiple analysts and fans lambast him for having a roster spot on the Bucks for the last five seasons. He has averaged 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds over the course of his Bucks' career, with last season being noticeably worse than previous years.
Thanasis cannot handle NBA minutes anymore, making basic errors on the court such as eight-second violations or failing to convert open dunks . He's essentially the Bucks' version of Udonis Haslem, as Thanasis exists to maintain harmony and order in the locker room.
As one of the only people Giannis would listen to unconditionally, it's clear the Bucks see the value of having his elder brother in the locker room alongside him.
Should Thanasis Antetokounmpo Continue Having A Roster Spot On The Bucks?
Thanasis' locker room energy might have allowed the Bucks to make a 0-2 comeback in the 2021 NBA Finals, but there is a real conversation around the validity of having him continue on the Bucks roster for the 2024-25 season. The Bucks aren't bonafide contenders anymore either, falling to consecutive first-round exits in the last two seasons.
Many would argue that a contributor or a young player could have that roster spot and contribute on the court, but we know that every NBA team needs a 15th man who has no expectation for minutes and is willing to be a team player. Thanasis fills that role perfectly while also being a voice of authority for the team's superstar.
His days as an NBA contributor are behind him, but as long as Giannis is on the Bucks, the organization will want Thanasis there with him to keep the team's morale high and give Giannis someone he can always trust in the locker room.
Related: NBA Executives Were Brutally Honest On If Thanasis Antetokounmpo Deserves A Spot In The League
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