Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo has suffered a torn Achilles tendon and is slated for surgery, as per sources reported by The Athletic.
At 31 years old, Antetokounmpo, a six-year NBA veteran and 2021 league champion with the Bucks, concluded his fifth season in Milwaukee with 34 appearances, averaging 0.9 points per game. Having inked a one-year contract with the Bucks last offseason, he will enter unrestricted free agency this summer.
League sources disclosed to The Athletic that the Greek forward incurred the Achilles injury during a recent workout session.
The injury and subsequent medical procedure will prevent Thanasis, elder brother of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, from contending for a place on the Greek men’s national basketball team. Greece, currently ranked 14th in the men’s FIBA World Rankings, is vying for one of the remaining four slots in the 2024 Olympics via the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, commencing on July 2. Thanasis participated in the Greek FIBA World Cup squads in 2019 and 2023, featuring in nine games with an average of 5.0 points per game.
In 2023, when Giannis was unavailable, Thanasis assumed a more prominent role within the national team, contributing to the squad’s defensive prowess.
“It means a lot to me, it means I have to set the tone 100 percent for the team, try to do my best as always,” Antetokounmpo expressed to the FIBA basketball site.
In Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo has maintained averages of 7.7 minutes and 2.4 points per game over his five seasons. He has endeared himself to the city as a cult figure and cherished teammate, known for his spirited presence on the sidelines and his energetic performances on the court.
