Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo will undergo surgery for a torn Achilles tendon, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Charania doesn’t specify when the injury occurred or how long the recovery process is expected to take, but players who tear an Achilles often miss a full season.
Antetokounmpo played sparingly in Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series with Indiana. He was on the court for two minutes in Game 4 and three minutes in Game 6 as the Pacers closed out the series.
The 31-year-old forward appeared in 34 games during the regular season, averaging 0.9 points and 0.4 rebounds in 4.6 minutes per night. He’s in his fifth season with the Bucks after playing professionally in Spain and Greece.
Antetokounmpo will be an unrestricted free agent this summer after signing a one-year, minimum-salary contract last offseason that paid him $2.3MM.
Like his younger brother, Giannis, Antetokounmpo is a long-time member of the Greek international team. The surgery will presumably prevent him from playing this summer as Greece tries to earn an Olympic bid at a qualifying tournament in early July.
Damn bro got hurt stomping and cheerleaders too hard.
Every Bucks fan knows exactly how he hurt himself. Doing 40″ verticals off of the bench cheerleadiing.
He’s about to be a free agent and this injury can possibly be the end of his career.
This is clear proof that towel twirling, slapping butts and giving high fives can be hazardous to your health.
This injury can possibly be the end of his career because he’s a free agent.
I had him pegged for big things next year. Like 6 minutes per game, and crossing that 1 ppg threshold. The basketball Gods can be so cruel.
It’s crazy that he would go to such lengths to make sure his brother didn’t hurt his Achilles by trying to come back from that calf strain. Now that’s what you call a team player
Bucks will miss him so much…. Best cheerleaders ever.
He is the best locker room guy ever, he brings Krispy kreme donuts and hot cocoa to everyone in practice.
Dude barely plays and he’s hurt. Get well soon
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Lolz, I’d assume it happened while getting off the bench, but he dont get off the bench too much…
I knew he was injured. He would have averaged 2ppg if in full health.