Former Milwaukee Bucks participant Thanasis Antetokounmpo is able to lace up once more. The high-energy ahead has formally been cleared to renew basketball actions after a year-long restoration from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in Could 2024. The harm got here throughout an offseason exercise and required surgical procedure that sidelined him for the whole 2024–25 season.
Now, after months of rehab and conditioning, Thanasis is again in form and eyeing a return to the league for 2025–26. “I’m again, I’m again,” he stated throughout an episode of his Thanalysis Present podcast. “I’m again. I’m again,” he reiterated.
The 32-year-old spent 5 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks from 2019 to 2024. Whereas his position was largely restricted to identify minutes, he carved out a fame as one of many league’s most passionate bench gamers; at all times the primary to face, cheer, and energize the staff.
In 198 regular-season video games, he averaged 2.4 factors, 1.6 rebounds, and simply over half an help per recreation. His stats won’t leap off the web page, however his presence was felt far past the numbers.
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The previous second-round choose’s final contract with Milwaukee expired after the 2023–24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. Whereas he stays unsigned, league sources report that a number of groups have taken discover of his progress. Together with his restoration now full, he could possibly be a priceless addition for any staff in search of locker room management, defensive depth, and hustle off the bench.
And naturally, there’s the household issue. Thanasis is the older brother of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 2 shared the court docket in Milwaukee for 5 seasons, and whereas Giannis stays beneath contract with the Bucks, there have been whispers of potential adjustments forward. Giannis has not too long ago advised he’s open to exploring choices if it means maximizing his championship window. Whether or not that future features a reunion together with his older brother stays to be seen.
For now, Thanasis is concentrated on proving he nonetheless belongs within the league. He has at all times taken pleasure in doing the little issues—diving for unfastened balls, hounding ball-handlers, holding the vitality excessive. After a devastating harm that might have ended his profession, he’s selecting as an alternative to battle for one more chapter.
The following contract won’t be assured, however his grit is. Thanasis Antetokounmpo is formally again, and his comeback story is simply getting began.