By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo said that while he would like to see more minutes on the floor he respects what the coaches decide on his playing time and cares more about what is best for his team overall.
“Of course. 100 percent,” Antetokounmpo answered when he was asked if he’d want to have a bigger role on the team, during an interview for Greek channel Cosmote TV. “I don’t think that there’s any player who doesn’t want to play more. What I’d say is that I can control what I can control. I believe that every decision our coach takes is correct and is for the team. And you can never put your own self above the team.”
“I improve every day and I have become a different player, regardless if people have seen it or not. I become a different player every year,” Antetokounpo added.
Thanasis, the older brother of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, definitely doesn’t seem bothered by the 9.7 minutes he averages this season or the very specific-maybe even limited-job he’s given when he steps on the hardwood. When he goes in, he puts on maximum effort, energy and hustle, especially on the defensive end. Bucks fans have fondly nicknamed him “ThaNASTY” for his dynamic play.
When he’s at the bench, he constantly tries to channel positive energy to the rest of the Bucks’ players while being fully immersed in every piece of the action. The camera has often captured him trying to hype up his teammates or having some quite animated reactions every time he sees them pulling off spectacular plays.
“It’s all about what the team needs at the moment,” Antetokounmpo mentioned. “For example, for me to watch every play, to look at instructions. Each player looks at this own guy. The day before… I’ve watched all the plays and I have read the scouting report for all the players, especially the scorers. The phases of the game when specific players take over. I try to do the best I can.”