Feb 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

'It Was Very Important for Me to Get This Opportunity' – Milwaukee Bucks’ Thanasis Antetokounmpo is Excited to Return to the Team

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 11:17 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks recently brought back a fan favorite, as they reportedly gave Thanasis Antetokounmpo a one-year, $2.9 million contract this offseason after being off the roster last year due to a serious injury.

The older brother of Giannis currently plays for the Greek national team at FIBA EuroBasket, and the 33-year-old swingman expressed his gratitude to the Milwaukee Bucks for giving him another chance to play in the NBA.

“They were here after the first game against Italy, and they were excited because I was playing defense…The important thing is that everyone who returns (after such an injury) with a team, or in a tournament like this, has to prove themselves again. That’s basketball. Whatever you have done so far counts; it’s your resume, but you have to prove it every day. That’s professional sports,” Antetokounmpo told Michalis Gioulenoglou of Eurohoops.

Nov 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) and center Bobby Portis (9) celebrate after a score in the fourth quarter during the game against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

“I want to thank all the people who worked with me and my family. The biggest struggle was to come back physically to this level. This is the first thing, and then the rest will come. It was very important for me to get this opportunity, and I really thank God for being here,” he added.

Milwaukee Bucks face roster crunch after signing Thanasis Antetokounmpo

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel recently pointed out that the Milwaukee Bucks must make a huge roster decision after giving Thanasis Antetokounmpo a one-year contract.

Nov 15, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (34) speaks with his brother, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at the team bench in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

“The Bucks’ roster stood at 15 players since the middle of July, when the team agreed to terms with Cole Anthony and Chris Livingston. Recently, the team not only signed Thanasis to a one-year deal, but Amir Coffey also agreed to a contract and will compete for a roster spot in training camp,” Siegel wrote.

“Milwaukee will need to clear a roster spot after signing Antetokounmpo, and they would need to open a second roster spot in the preseason if Coffey is to make the opening-night roster. The former Los Angeles Clippers wing is not guaranteed to be on the official roster for the 2025-26 season, but Thanasis is at this point,” he added.