(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Everyone knows the Milwaukee Bucks belong to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But what some casual NBA fans forget is that his brother, Thanasis, is also on the team.
He is Giannis’ older brother and although he doesn’t get much time on the floor or do much for the team, he is now in his fourth season with the Bucks.
According to Gery Woelfel, via NBACentral, Thanasis wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for his younger brother.
Woelfel asked multiple NBA employees about Thanasis’ chance of playing in the league without Giannis.
When asked if he’d be on a roster without his brother, a player personnel director said “No” while a scout said “Let me think about that for a few seconds. No.”
Finally, a general manager in the league said, “Hey, we know what that’s all about. It’s about appeasing Giannis. But to answer your question, no.”
When asked if Thanasis Antetokounmpo would be on an NBA roster without Giannis Antetokounmpo’s assistance, three NBA officials responded as follows:
An NBA player personnel director: “No,’’ he responded immediately.
An NBA scout: “Let me think about this for a few seconds. (He… pic.twitter.com/PPAxM8qEM0
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 7, 2023
Those are some harsh words against the forward, who was immediately defended online.
“[Giannis] brought their franchise a champion. If keeping his brother on the roster makes him happy and keeps him from leaving you do it,” Jeff Lightsy Jr. said.
He brought their franchise a championship. If keeping his brother on the roster makes him happy and keeps him from leaving you do it
— Jeff Lightsy Jr. (@jlightsy7) April 7, 2023
Other people said they’d include the entire Antetokounmpo family on the payroll if that was what it took to keep Giannis happy.
In fact, most of the responses online said that it made sense for the Bucks to keep employing Thansis.
This is true even though he is averaging just 0.7 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game with just four minutes on the floor.
I’d put the whole Antetokounmpo family on payroll if that’s what it took to keep Giannis in my organization
— matt pips (@mjpippy11) April 7, 2023
One fan noted that when Giannis got upset during a game recently, it was Thanasis who came to his brother and calmed him down.
Watched a game a few days ago where Giannis got a weak foul called on and he was super upset. Thanasis went over and gave him a big hug and he immediately calmed down. His impact for the Bucks is bigger than basketball
— tony g (@txnyg) April 7, 2023
Most everyone agrees that if keeping Thansis keeps Giannis, it is well worth it.
He’s fine as the last guy on the bench who literally never plays, especially if it means retaining arguably the best player on the planet and keeping him in Milwaukee for as long as you possibly can.
— CF Punk (@CFpunk2K) April 7, 2023
While Thanasis will never be the greatest star on the team, he obviously is wanted by the team’s players, including his brother.
The Bucks are the best team in the East and could be on their way to another Finals appearance.
Thanasis will be a part of that, no matter what his detractors think.
The post Fans React To Anonymous NBA Executives Report Of Thanasis Antetokounmpo appeared first on The Cold Wire.