As Thanasis Antetokounmpo competes alongside his brother Giannis Antetokounmpo for Greece at EuroBasket 2025, he humbly expressed his appreciation for the opportunity. The newly re-signed Milwaukee Bucks forward also touched on how the global spotlight has helped him prepare for his NBA comeback after a year out of commission. Thanasis missed the entire 2024-25 NBA season due to a torn Achilles tendon, spending the year off Milwaukee’s roster. However, on Aug. 31, the Bucks brought him back on a one-year, $2.9 million deal, offering him another chance to compete for his second NBA championship on the Giannis-led squad.
This year’s EuroBasket marks Thanasis’ first on-court action since his recovery. While he has posted relatively modest production, especially compared to Giannis’ dominant 30.0 points-per-game average, the elder Antetokounmpo brother is grateful to be along for the ride.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo Shares How EuroBasket 2025 Opportunity Is Propelling His NBA Comeback
As Greece prepares for Tuesday’s quarterfinal matchup against Lithuania, Thanasis was asked what it’s like to use the tournament as a “ramp-up period” ahead of his NBA return. The six-year NBA veteran described the experience as an ideal way to rediscover his stride while seeking to make his country proud.
“It’s a blessing from God. It’s a blessing to come back and have a jumpstart like this,” Thanasis said. “It doesn’t happen often, and I’m blessed to be able to serve on the court, find my steps, find my rhythm, and to build.”
The patriotic 33-year-old also credited international play for sharpening his game, citing the value of competing against elite worldwide competition during the NBA offseason.
“I think the two main things are, first, it’s global,” Thanasis began. “You have talent from all around the world playing and competing. You have talent from all over, not just in players, but in coaching, GMs, etc. It’s a great product.”
“Then, in terms of basketball, you just get better. It’s not offseason work. It’s a tournament, something you compete for, for yourself and for your country.”
Thanasis has appeared in all six of Greece’s EuroBasket 2025 outings, five group phase games and Sunday’s 84-79 Round of 16 victory over Israel. Greece went 4-1 in group play to win Group C, giving it a 5-1 record overall.
Through six contests, Thanasis is averaging 2.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, shooting 33.3% across 12.4 minutes a night. Aside from his efficiency woes, this mostly aligns with his NBA output. He’s carved out a career as an athletic, high-energy defender, relentless hustler, and vocal leader, rather than a big-time scorer entering his seventh NBA season.