Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the 6’7″ forward for the Westchester Knicks who was the 51st overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, is ranked 11th on the NBA D-League Prospect Watch list. He is currently averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block per game in the 34 games he has played this season for Westminster.

The older brother of the Milwaukee Bucks “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo, he has similar potential and physical upside. Antetokounmpo’s size combined with his natural athleticism make him a force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. His wingspan allows him to block shots with ease. He is longer and faster than his opponents thus far.

Antetokounmpo is of Nigerian descent, but he was born in Athens, Greece. He played in Greece up until he was drafted in 2013.

Antetokounmpo was first selected 9th overall by the Delaware 87ers in the 2013 NBA Developmental draft. He made his professional debut on November 23rd of that  year when he scored 14 points and added 2 rebounds in a 117-106 loss to the Canton charge. For the season he averaged 12.0 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game. He was named to the third team of the 2014 NBA D-League All-Defensive Team. He also competed in the NBA D-League Slam Dunk Contest that season.

If he can either develop a few more post moves or become a more consistent jump shooter, he should find a place in the NBA, particularly with the New York Knicks. They could use a young and talented forward to either complement Carmelo Anthony or give them bench depth.

by Joshua Hamer