The Milwaukee Bucks experienced a surprising first-round exit from the 2025 NBA playoffs, falling to the Indiana Pacers in five games. This outcome has intensified speculation about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the direction of the franchise. Despite Giannis posting remarkable averages of 33 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists during the series, the Bucks could not advance beyond the opening round.
As the team prepares for a crucial meeting to discuss its future, Giannis is already making headlines for a less conventional reason—his reaction to a provocative comparison involving his brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and current New York Knicks player Josh Hart.
Evan Turner Sparks Controversy with Unexpected Player Comparison
Recent comments from former NBA player Evan Turner have triggered a spirited debate online. Turner shared a striking opinion suggesting that Thanasis Antetokounmpo could match Josh Hart’s impact if given equal playing time. This statement quickly spread on social media, provoking varied responses from fans and analysts alike.
This is a wild take and it has nothing to do with nothing, but I believe that if Thanasis got the same amount of minutes as Josh Hart, then I think he could be equally as impactful,
—Evan Turner, Former NBA Player
While many users responded with skepticism, Giannis himself acknowledged the statement with a simple eye emoji followed by a fire emoji, signaling intrigue and generating further buzz among observers.
Analyzing the Career Trajectories of Thanasis and Josh Hart
The comparison between the Antetokounmpo brothers and Hart emerges amidst contrasting career paths. Thanasis, currently a free agent, has struggled to establish a consistent role in the league. His most productive NBA season came with the Bucks in 2021-22, when he averaged 3.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. His shorter tenure with the New York Knicks yielded minimal impact, with only three points averaged across two appearances.
Conversely, Josh Hart has become a vital contributor for the Knicks during their Eastern Conference Finals run against the Pacers. During the regular season, Hart posted averages of 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, showcasing strong all-around skills and defensive prowess. His energy and basketball intelligence have set him apart as a dependable two-way player, qualities that have been less evident in Thanasis’s limited playing time.
Thanasis’s Road to Recovery and Future Prospects
Adding complexity to the debate, Thanasis announced on his podcast, the Thanalysis Show, that he has fully recovered from a torn Achilles tendon, an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season. Now healthy and motivated, he is actively pursuing opportunities to return to the NBA. However, given his comparatively modest career statistics relative to Hart’s, many consider Turner’s comparison more speculative than grounded in recent performance.
Uncertain Outlook for Giannis and the Bucks Moving Forward
As Giannis Antetokounmpo contemplates his next moves amid trade discussions and the Bucks’ off-season planning, the potential for him to reunite with his brother on an NBA roster remains a point of interest. How these dynamics unfold in the coming weeks could have significant implications for Milwaukee and the league overall. The debate surrounding the Josh Hart vs Thanasis Antetokounmpo impact comparison debate underscores the bigger questions about player roles, team strategy, and franchise futures heading into the new season.