Thanasis Antetokounmpo undergoes MRI on left abductor

Christos Tsaltas: Ahead of today’s game vs. Greece, Bobby Portis shared a special message to his Bucks teammate, Thanasis Antetokounmpo at @SportalgrG. “It’s gonna be fun playing against you man. Can’t wait to go head-to-head. It’s gonna be something we can talk forever”. #FIBAWC #FeartheDeer -via Twitter @Tsaltas46 / August 28, 2023

Many were surprised by Shams Charania’s report suggesting you were getting some big interest from the Knicks. Just how close were you to leaving Milwaukee for New York? Thanasis Antetokounmpo: Close. Obviously, Giannis is my brother, and obviously, I love Milwaukee. I love Milwaukee. But at the same time… I want to play. You always want to play and feel important.  And at the same time, you want, like… It’s just because of how I am as a player. That would be different if I were in Europe and any other team. But now it became a little bit more like, oh, okay, he’s on the team because… But I was like: you know what? No. Why would I do this? -via BasketNews / August 28, 2023

Was there a specific conversation that had a major influence on your decision?
 Thanasis Antetokounmpo: I was in Greece all the time. So, while I was in Greece, I didn’t talk about free agency… So, only Giannis had the power to influence your choice… Thanasis Antetokounmpo: No, but not only Giannis… We have a great culture in Milwaukee. We have great stuff. And just with the change and everything... Two years ago, when I hit the free agency and signed a two-year deal, many teams wanted to give me an opportunity. And back then, I thought I was part of a winning culture and a winning team. But at the same time, I wanted an opportunity to help the team in any way that I could. But most importantly, for the player, it is very important not to let anybody else create a narrative for you. And if someone starts creating a narrative… No, no, no. This is not who I am. This is not what we do. -via BasketNews / August 28, 2023