Three Antetokounmpo brothers invited to all-star skills challenge
LOS ANGELES – If there is something that the Antetokounmpo family is more well-known for than basketball, it is that, well, they’re a tight-knit group. It is no secret that the four professional basketball playing brothers love and support one another when they can, and a trio of them will put that on display during the NBA all-star skills challenge in Cleveland on Feb. 19.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was voted into the NBA All-Star Game by the fans, media and players, but his older brother and Bucks forward Thanasis and his youngest brother and Toronto Raptors 905 player, Alex, will team up with him as part of the league’s all-star weekend.
Kostas Antetokounmpo, who won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, is currently playing overseas. Giannis, Thanasis and he were able to share an NBA court together on March 31, 2021 in Los Angeles, becoming just the second trio of brothers to play together.
Alex Antetokounmpo, who starred at Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay before turning pro and playing one season in Spain, has spent the season with the Raptors’ G League affiliate. This will be his first all-star showcase event.
Heading into Tuesday’s game against the Lakers, Thanasis had played in 35 games for the Bucks this season, but he has all-star weekend experience and has teamed up with Giannis before.
Thanasis participated in G League slam dunk competitions in 2014 and 2015 and dunked over Giannis in the 2014 event. Thanasis then returned the favor by helping Giannis in the 2016 NBA slam dunk contest.
The brothers will face off against teams of Cleveland Cavaliers (Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley) and rookies (Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes and Josh Giddey).