There are three Antetokounmpo brothers in the NBA: Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas. Giannis and Thanasis have established roles on the court, while Kostas has appeared in limited NBA action after developing professionally overseas. The siblings grew up in Greece, joined different college programs, and entered the pro ranks through separate paths. This guide explains each brother's NBA status, roles, and career milestones to clarify how many Antetokounmpo brothers currently play in the league.
Meet the Antetokounmpo Brothers
The Antetokounmpo family produced multiple professional basketball players, primarily based in Milwaukee and abroad. The most prominent brothers are Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas. Each followed distinct developmental routes through Greek basketball, U.S. college programs, and international professional leagues. Their shared surname ties them together, but their career timelines and current NBA roster spots differ. This section outlines how many brothers are active in the NBA today and how they reached those positions.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most accomplished and widely known brother in the NBA. Standing 6 feet 11 inches, he plays the five-out style and has earned multiple MVP awards with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was drafted in the first round in 2013 and has remained a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s roster for over a decade. His All-NBA selections and accolades demonstrate sustained elite performance. Giannis represents the NBA’s premier two-way talent among the Antetokounmpo brothers and anchors Milwaukee’s championship contention.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Thanasis Antetokounmpo plays a perimeter role and has seen steady NBA minutes with multiple teams. He was drafted in the second round in 2016 by the New York Knicks and has since played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his athleticism and defensive versatility, Thanasis has carved out a niche as a role player in the league. His current NBA status is active, though his minutes fluctuate based on team needs.
Kostas Antetokounmpo
Kostas Antetokounmpo has had the most complex path among the brothers. After playing college basketball at Dayton, he was drafted in the second round in 2019 by the Dallas Mavericks. He has not appeared in an NBA game for Dallas and developed professionally in Greece and Spain. Recent reports indicate he has engaged in workouts and camp invites without securing a stable NBA roster spot. As of now, Kostas does not have an active NBA contract but remains professionally engaged in Europe.
How Many Antetokounmpo Brothers Are Currently in the NBA
Currently, two Antetokounmpo brothers are active in the NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Kostas Antetokounmpo is not on an NBA roster and is developing his career overseas. This makes two active brothers in the league at this time, with Giannis serving as a franchise cornerstone and Thanasis contributing in rotational roles.
Career Milestones at a Glance
| Brother | NBA Team(s) | Key Achievements | Current NBA Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | 2× NBA MVP, NBA champion, All-NBA First Team | Active, starter |
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo | Knicks, Cavaliers, Thunder, Warriors, Bucks | NBA champion, defensive specialist | Active, rotation player |
| Kostas Antetokounmpo | Dallas Mavericks | NCAA All-Tournament Team (Dayton) | Inactive, overseas development |
Background and Family Context
The Antetokounmpo brothers grew up in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian immigrant parents. Their early years were marked by financial challenges, which led them to pursue basketball as a pathway to opportunity. Giannis was identified first by European scouts, while Thanasis and Kostas followed through local Greek programs and U.S. college opportunities. This family background helps explain their close bond and shared commitment to basketball excellence.
Development and College Paths
Each brother took a different route to professional basketball. Giannis skipped U.S. college and entered the Greek league, while Thanasis played one season at Los Angeles Trade–Technical College before transferring to a Greek club. Kostas chose NCAA Division I at Dayton, which positioned him for the NBA draft. These varied paths influenced how each entered the professional ranks and shaped their current standings.
On-Court Roles and Skills
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a high-usage offensive engine and elite defender, often guarding multiple positions. Thanasis provides perimeter defense, off-ball movement, and occasional scoring bursts off the bench. Kostas, at 6 feet 10 inches, plays the four position with spacing and defensive awareness but has not yet secured consistent NBA minutes. Their skill sets differ, yet each contributes within the context of team needs.
Future Outlook for Each Brother
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is under contract with Milwaukee and remains a top-tier NBA talent with long-term extension options.
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo may test the free-agent market to secure a more stable role, though he continues to receive bench minutes across teams.
- Kostas Antetokounmpo will likely focus on European leagues and training, with occasional NBA camp invites serving as potential pathways back to the league.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
Some assume all Antetokounmpo brothers are current NBA players, but only two hold active roster spots. Another misconception is that Kostas is close to an NBA return, though his recent activity has been primarily overseas. Understanding their distinct career timelines helps avoid confusion about their league status.
Conclusion
In summary, two Antetokounmpo brothers are currently active in the NBA: Giannis and Thanasis. Kostas is developing professionally outside the league. Their shared background, different career paths, and distinct on-court roles highlight how family talent can diverge in professional basketball. For fans and analysts, tracking each brother’s progress offers a long-term view of how they continue to impact the game.