How Many of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Brothers Are in the NBA
Four of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brothers are active professional basketball players, with two having appeared in the NBA to date. Giannis, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alexandros Antetokounmpo all play professionally, while two others, Francis and a sibling named Yannis, have largely pursued careers overseas or in lower-tier leagues at the time of writing. Giannis and Thanasis have reached the NBA, while Kostas and Alexandros are established professionally in Europe but remain NBA-eligible prospects.
Background on the Antetokounmpo Family
The Antetokounmpo family is one of the most remarkable basketball families globally, originating from Nigeria and growing up in Athens, Greece. The parents, Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, raised five sons who all pursued basketball at high levels. The family’s journey, marked by financial challenges and eventual upward mobility, is a foundational element to understanding the development of each player. Giannis’s ascent to superstardom with the Milwaukee Bucks brought increased attention to his siblings’ careers, prompting ongoing public interest in how many brothers play in the NBA and professionally worldwide.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The NBA Star
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a cornerstone for the Milwaukee Bucks. Standing 6 feet 11 inches, he plays the power forward and center positions. His accolades include an NBA championship (2021), NBA Finals MVP (2021), and multiple All-Star selections. Drafted 15th overall in 2013, he has evolved into one of the league’s premier two-way players. His success has elevated the global profile of his family and inspired his brothers’ basketball pursuits.
Giannis’s NBA Career Highlights
- 2× NBA MVP (2019, 2020)
- NBA champion and Finals MVP (2021)
- 6× All-Star (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024)
- All-NBA First Team selections
Thanasis Antetokounmpo: The First NBA Brother
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis’s older brother, is a professional basketball player who has competed in the NBA. Standing 6 feet 7 inches, he plays small forward and shooting guard. Thanasis played college basketball at Wake Forest University before declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft, where he was selected 41st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has also played for the New York Knicks. His NBA tenure includes multiple seasons of valuable role player contributions, providing a verified pathway of how family talent translates to professional leagues.
Thanasis’s NBA Career Highlights
- NBA debut with Oklahoma City Thunder (2019)
- Played for New York Knicks (2020–2022)
- 2021 NBA champion with Milwaukee Bucks (played a role in the postseason)
Kostas Antetokounmpo: The European Path
Kostas Antetokounmpo, another older brother, has established a strong professional career primarily in Europe. Standing 6 feet 10 inches, he plays power forward and center. He played college basketball at the University of Dayton before entering the 2019 NBA Draft, where he was selected 61st overall by the Dallas Mavericks. However, he has built his career overseas, most notably with Panathinaikos in Greece. While he remains eligible and has worked out for NBA teams, he has not secured a permanent roster spot at the time of writing.
Kostas’s Professional Career Highlights
- 2019 NBA Draft: selected 61st overall by Dallas Mavericks
- Key contributor for Panathinaikos (Greek Basket League and EuroLeague)
- NBA workout participant with multiple teams
Alexandros Antetokounmpo: Rising Professional in Europe
Alexandros Antetokounmpo, often referred to simply as Alexandros, is the younger brother of Giannis and Kostas. Standing 6 feet 10 inches, he plays center and power forward. He played college basketball at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) after transferring from Georgia Tech. Drafted 60th overall in 2021 by the Memphis Grizzlies, he has yet to secure a regular-season roster spot in the NBA. He continues to develop his game professionally in Europe, most notably with teams in Greece and Germany. His trajectory highlights the competitive pathway many international prospects navigate toward potential NBA opportunities.
Alexandros’s Current Status
- 2021 NBA Draft: selected 60th overall by Memphis Grizzlies
- Professional career based in Europe (Greece, Germany)
- Regular NBA roster opportunities remain limited as of the latest season
Other Brothers: Francis and Yannis
Francis Antetokounmpo and Yannis Antetokounmpo, while less visible in mainstream NBA coverage, are also professional athletes. Francis has played basketball at professional levels primarily in Greece and other European leagues. Yannis has also pursued basketball opportunities, though detailed public records of his career are more limited. Both have chosen paths outside the NBA spotlight, focusing on development and play in European leagues. Their presence reinforces the family’s deep basketball roots and the competitive environment that has shaped all Antetokounmpo brothers.
Comparative Overview of the Antetokounmpo Brothers
| Brother | NBA Experience | Current Primary League | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Yes (since 2013) | NBA (Milwaukee Bucks) | Power Forward / Center |
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo | Yes (2019–2022) | NBA (formerly), Europe | Small Forward / Shooting Guard |
| Kostas Antetokounmpo | Draftee only (2019) | Europe (Panathinaikos) | Power Forward / Center |
| Alexandros Antetokounmpo | Draftee only (2021) | Europe (Germany, Greece) | Center / Power Forward |
| Francis Antetokounmpo | No | Europe (mostly Greece) | Guard / Forward |
| Yannis Antetokounmpo | No | Europe (lower-tier leagues) | Guard / Forward |
NBA Draft and Developmental Trajectories
The Antetokounmpo brothers represent varied draft and development outcomes. Giannis went undrafted before declaring for the 2013 draft, famously signing as a street free agent. Thanasis was a second-round pick in 2018, Kostas in the second round in 2019, and Alexandros in the second round in 2021. These draft positions reflect different timelines of skill development and exposure. Despite not all reaching the NBA, each brother has leveraged basketball into professional opportunities, emphasizing the familial impact of early support, training, and resilience.
Conclusion
In summary, four Antetokounmpo brothers play professional basketball, with two—Giannis and Thanasis—having competed in the NBA. Kostas and Alexandros are professional players in Europe, maintaining draft eligibility and future NBA possibilities. The family’s collective journey from Athens to NBA prominence remains one of basketball’s most inspiring stories, demonstrating how talent, support, and opportunity intersect across generations.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many Antetokounmpo brothers play in the NBA?
As of the most recent seasons, two Antetokounmpo brothers have played in the NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is an established star, while Thanasis has had a rotational role in the league.
Are any brothers currently on NBA rosters?
Yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains an active NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks. Thanasis last played in the NBA during the 2021–22 season with the New York Knicks and has since focused on European leagues.
Which brother is most likely to reach the NBA next?
Kostas and Alexandros Antetokounmpo remain prospects with NBA draft eligibility, but as of the current date, neither has secured an NBA roster spot. Continued development in Europe could change this status in future seasons.