By james art Giannis Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly the most important player on the Milwaukee Bucks team, with many calling Damian Lillard the second. But during an episode of Gil’s Arena, Gilbert Arenas said that Giannis’ brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo is the Bucks’ second most important player. He claims that if the Bucks don’t re-sign Thanasis, there will be trouble.
Arenas brought it up on his show days before the team expressed interest in giving Giannis’ older brother a new contract. He appears to be making the prediction amid uncertainty over the Bucks superstar’s future. Arenas even claimed that Giannis will leave if the Bucks don’t re-sign Thanasis.
The Wizards legend recalled a conversation with Jeff Teague where the former Bucks guard openly stated that Thanasis was the second most important person on the team. arenas said
“Jeff Teague, Jeff Teague said that besides Gaines, the most important person on the team was his brother. He said that “when things don’t go his way, he looks to his older brother.” You know, when they win, he wants to celebrate with his brother.
Taking away Thanassis would be taking away something incredibly important to Giannis, according to Arenas. The Wizards legend cited Lillard’s disappointing year as something that could potentially happen to Giannis if his brother isn’t on the team. Dame struggled while playing away from his family and dealing with personal issues. arenas said
“It’s kind of like with Dame last year, isn’t it? His family not being with him, that affects him.”
Thanasis and Giannis Antetokounmpo have an unbreakable bond
For Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two most important things in the world are basketball and family. Growing up in poverty, the Bucks star had an extremely close relationship with his brother Thanasis, as well as his other siblings. That close bond is there even today as the two fight together for the Bucks. Yanis once called Thanasis the perfect brother. he said
“My brother, Thanasis. I am the man I am because of him. Not even close. This guy is… If you could shape the perfect brother. he should be up there, man.
The two share an unbreakable bond, and that helps Giannis stay focused on the court. Thanassis is a mainstay for the two-time MVP, and that makes him the Bucks’ most important player after Giannis.