After spending the entire 2024-25 NBA season on the sidelines due to a torn Achilles, Thanasis Antetokounmpo is finally ready to return to the hardwood. The Milwaukee Bucks forward has now been medically cleared. His announcement marks an important step forward in a long and challenging recovery process.
However, while Thanasis is ready to play again, it remains uncertain whether he will continue his stint with the Milwaukee Bucks. If the team chooses to bring him back, he could potentially rejoin his brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo, on the roster for the 2025-26 season.
Yet, there is growing speculation about Thanasis’ next move. According to betting site Bovada Official, the Houston Rockets are currently the favorites to land the veteran forward if he chooses not to return to Milwaukee. The Rockets lead the sweepstakes at +400 odds, followed by the San Antonio Spurs at +600, the Brooklyn Nets at +800, and the Golden State Warriors at +900.
The Houston Rockets are the favorites to win the Thanasis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes if he doesn’t stay in Milwaukee, per @BovadaOfficial
Houston Rockets +400
San Antonio Spurs +600
Brooklyn Nets +800
Golden State Warriors +900
Cleveland Cavaliers +1200
New York Knicks +1400… https://t.co/G7UnMvYcs5 pic.twitter.com/xZ8ETkVirD— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 21, 2025
Thanasis made a clear statement during a recent appearance on his podcast, where he excitedly declared, “I’m back, I’m back.” Though brief, this statement has stirred up excitement among fans who are eager to see him back on the floor.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo Barely Made His Mark Before Injury Halted His Journey
Antetokounmpo had little time to establish his name in the league before being sidelined by injury. To many fans, he’s most widely recognized as the brother of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. But Thanasis has his own story in the NBA.
He began his NBA career with the New York Knicks. New York selected him with the 51st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Despite the excitement, his on-court opportunities were limited. He played just two games with the Knicks during the 2015-16 regular season, averaging only three points per game.
Following his brief stint in New York, Thanasis found a new home with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019. Throughout his career, he has averaged 2.4 points in 198 regular-season games. Most notably, he was part of the Bucks’ 2021 championship-winning squad.