Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best basketball players in the world in his twelfth NBA season. It’s no secret that Antetokounmpo is a proud family man and his older brother Thanasis is never too far away.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo is the second oldest of five Antetokounmpo brothers. After spending the last five seasons as Giannis’ teammate in Milwaukee, circumstances have led to Thanasis taking on a different role for the 2024-25 season.

Last year, Thanasis was one of the most vocal members of the Milwaukee banking unit. He’s been just as vocal from the sidelines this season, but he’s sitting alongside other fans in courtside seats rather than on the Bucks’ bench.

Was Thanasis waived by Milwaukee? That’s why Giannis’ older brother is no longer wearing a uniform when he attends Bucks games this season.

SN’s NBA Headquarters: Live NBA Scores | Updated NBA Rankings | Complete NBA schedule

Did the Bucks waive Thanasis Antetokounmpo?

Thanasis Antetokounmpo was not waived by the Bucks. However, he is currently a free agent.

In 2023, Thanasis signed a one-year contract that expired after the 2023–24 season, meaning he would enter free agency in the 2024 offseason.

Days after Milwaukee was eliminated from the 2024 NBA playoffs, Thanasis suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a practice. Due to the long recovery time after Achilles tendon surgery, it is unlikely that he will return to elite sport before April or May 2025. Therefore, Thanasis has not signed an NBA contract and continues to focus on rehabilitation after Achilles tendon surgery.

Thanasis’ visibility at Bucks games has increased over the course of the season. Broadcast cameras often catch him communicating with Giannis and the rest of the Bucks as if he were still sitting on the team’s bench, but he is sitting courtside with fans, often across from Milwaukee’s bench.

The quick 7-0 start got Giannis going! pic.twitter.com/jOyG2gaIvq

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 14, 2024

Thanasis loves this smooth J from Giannis 😤 pic.twitter.com/CS9xBByN4i

– NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 14, 2024

Given his proximity to the franchise and his closeness to his younger brother, Thanasis could return to the squad once he fully recovers from his injury. It is unclear where Thanasis is in the rehab process, but he is expected to be ready to compete in the 2025-26 season.

MORE: Bronny James is starting to show what NBA scouts were excited about

Thanasis Antetokounmpo career timeline

Thanasis Antetokounmpo was selected No. 51 by the Knicks in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was selected after spending the 2013-14 season in the NBA G League with the Delaware 87ers (now Blue Coats).

Although Thanasis was two years older than Giannis, he was drafted a year later.

This is where his career has taken him since then:

Year	team
2014-16	Westchester Knicks (G League)
2015-16	Curtsy
2016-17	Andorra (Spain)
2017-19	Panathinaikos (Greece)
2019-2024	dollar

MORE: Did the Warriors or Nets win the Dennis Schroder trade?

Giannis Antetokounmpo family tree

As mentioned above, family is an important value for the Antetokounmpos. Giannis and Thanasis were the protagonists of the 2022 Disney film “Rise”.

Here is an overview of their family tree, including younger brothers Kostas (Panathinaikos) and Alex (PAOK Thessaloniki), who play basketball professionally:

• Parents: Veronica and Charles Antetokounmpo
• Brothers: Francis, Thanasis, Kostas and Alex Antetokounmpo
• Wife: Mariah Riddlesprigger Antetokounmpo
• Children: Liam (born 2020), Maverick (born 2021), Eva (born 2023)

MORE NBA NEWS: