40 Facts About Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Early Life and Background

Thanasis Antetokounmpo's journey to professional basketball is a story of perseverance and dedication. Let's explore his early life and background.

1. Birthdate and Place: Born on July 18, 1992, in Athens, Greece, Thanasis grew up in a multicultural environment.
2. Nationality: He holds both Greek and Nigerian nationality, reflecting his rich heritage.
3. Nickname: Known as "Thanasty," a nickname that captures his fierce playing style.
4. Height and Weight: Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) and weighing 219 pounds (99 kg), he plays both small forward and power forward positions.

Early Career and Professional Debut

Thanasis's early career set the stage for his future success. His journey began in Greece before moving to the United States.

5. Draft Status: Drafted by the New York Knicks with the 51st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
6. Early Career: Started playing youth basketball with Filathlitikos in 2008, progressing to the senior men's team by 2010.
7. Professional Debut: Began his professional career with Filathlitikos in the Greek 3rd Division in 2011, averaging impressive stats in the 2012-13 season.
8. Greek All-Star Game: Selected as a special participant in the 2013 Greek All-Star Game, showcasing his talent in the slam dunk contest.

NBA Development League and Defensive Prowess

Thanasis's time in the NBA Development League (D-League) highlighted his defensive skills and determination.

9. Delaware 87ers: Selected by the Delaware 87ers with the ninth overall pick in the 2013 NBA D-League Draft, averaging solid stats in 50 games.
10. NBA D-League All-Defensive Team: Named to the 2014 NBA D-League All-Defensive third team for his defensive prowess.
11. Westchester Knicks: Joined the Westchester Knicks in 2014, averaging 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game.
12. NBA D-League All-Defensive Second Team: Earned a spot on the 2015 NBA D-League All-Defensive second team for his outstanding defensive performance.

International Representation and Achievements

Thanasis has represented Greece on the international stage and achieved significant milestones in his career.

13. International Representation: Represented the Greek national team since 2016.
14. Greek League Championships: Won back-to-back Greek League championships with Panathinaikos in 2018 and 2019.
15. NBA Championship: Became an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
16. Career Highs: Achieved career highs of 27 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in a single game.

Milwaukee Bucks and Recent Events

Thanasis's time with the Milwaukee Bucks has been marked by significant contributions and memorable moments.

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Re-signed with the Milwaukee Bucks on a two-year deal in August 2021, known for his defensive skills and versatility.
18. Altercation with Blake Griffin: Engaged in an altercation with Celtics forward Blake Griffin on March 30, 2023, resulting in his ejection from the game.
19. Career Statistics: Averaged 2.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game in his NBA career, with a shooting percentage of 50.9% from the field.
20. Regular Season Totals: Played a total of 198 NBA games, recording 200 field goals made and 393 field goal attempts.

Leadership, Social Media, and Net Worth

Thanasis is not just a player but also a leader and a social media presence. His net worth reflects his successful career.

21. Playoff Appearances: Contributed significantly to the Milwaukee Bucks' championship run in 2021, despite limited playoff experience.
22. Leadership and Teamwork: Praised for his leadership and teamwork, contributing both defensively and offensively.
23. Social Media Presence: Active on Twitter (@Thanasis_ante43) and Instagram (@thanasis_ante43), engaging with fans and sharing updates.
24. Net Worth: As of 2024, earned at least $8,880,821 playing professional basketball, with $2,019,706 earned in 2024 alone.

Family, Personal Life, and Philanthropy

Thanasis's family ties, personal values, and philanthropic efforts have shaped his career and character.

25. Family Ties: Older brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo, often compared to his sibling but has carved out his own path.
26. Personal Life: Remains close to his family, emphasizing the importance of upbringing and family values.
27. Philanthropy: Involved in various philanthropic activities, supporting youth basketball programs and charitable initiatives.

Career Milestones and International Competitions

Thanasis's career milestones and participation in international competitions highlight his dedication to the sport.

28. Career Milestones: Notable achievements include being named to the 2014 NBA D-League All-Defensive third team and the 2015 NBA D-League All-Defensive second team.
29. International Competitions: Represented Greece in several international competitions, including the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket tournament.
30. Greek Basketball Federation: Recognized by the Greek Basketball Federation for his contributions to the sport.

Coaching, Media Appearances, and Fan Base

Thanasis's influence extends beyond playing, as he has also contributed as a coach and media personality.

31. Coaching Experience: Gained experience as a coach, helping develop young players through basketball camps and clinics.
32. Media Appearances: Featured in various media outlets, including ESPN's documentary series "Rise," chronicling the Antetokounmpo brothers' journey.
33. Fan Base: Has a dedicated fan base in Greece and the United States, admired for his work ethic and defensive skills.

Injuries, Team Dynamics, and Leadership Roles

Thanasis has faced challenges but continues to be a valuable team player and leader.

34. Injury History: Overcame injuries with resilience and determination.
35. Team Dynamics: Praised for fitting seamlessly into different team dynamics, whether with the Milwaukee Bucks or the Greek national team.
36. Leadership Role: Often takes on a leadership role, providing guidance and support to teammates.

Community Involvement and Educational Background

Thanasis's community involvement and dedication to education reflect his commitment to giving back.

37. Community Involvement: Engaged in initiatives promoting youth sports and education in Greece and the United States.
38. Educational Background: Began playing basketball at a young age, dedicating himself fully to the sport.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Thanasis's legacy in Greek basketball and his future prospects continue to inspire.

39. Legacy in Greek Basketball: Inspired a new generation of players with his hard work, dedication, and achievements.
40. Future Prospects: Remains a valuable asset to any team, known for his versatility, defensive prowess, and leadership qualities.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo: A Journey of Perseverance and Triumph

Thanasis Antetokounmpo's story is one of grit, determination, and success. From his early days in Greece to becoming an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, he's shown what hard work can achieve. Known for his defensive skills and versatility, Thanasis has made a name for himself beyond being Giannis's older brother. His contributions to the Greek national team and his involvement in community initiatives highlight his commitment both on and off the court. With a dedicated fan base and a promising future, Thanasis continues to inspire many. His journey reminds us that perseverance and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements. As he moves forward in his career, Thanasis remains a player to watch, embodying the spirit of resilience and excellence in basketball.