Kendrick Perkins believes Thanasis Antetokounmpo is on the Milwaukee Bucks only because of his famous brother

Kendrick Perkins did not mince words in saying the only reason why Thanasis is in the NBA.

© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins is not one to walk away from any smoke. On a recent appearance on the ESPN show “NBA Today,” the big man with an even bigger voice asserted that the Milwaukee Bucks are doing everything they can to please their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, even going as far as signing his two brothers to contracts.

Everything and more

Giannis recently made comments that have put everybody in Milwaukee on edge, saying he’s willing to move to another team once his contract is up if the franchise doesn’t commit to sustained success. Despite already securing an NBA championship, a single accolade seems insufficient for the ambitious "Greek Freak." His unwavering determination to capture multiple titles has been evident, as he has displayed no hesitancy in contemplating a move to another team.

Perkins didn’t take too kindly to Giannis’ comments, saying the Bucks bent backward to appease him.

“When we talk about giving Giannis everything and more,” Perkins said. “That is everything, and more because, to be honest with you, if Giannis wasn't on the Bucks, I don't believe that his brother would actually be on an NBA roster.”

Perk may have a point

Thanasis has been with the Bucks for four seasons, playing in 162 games and averaging 2.7 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in eight minutes of playing time per night. However, Thanasis’ numbers were apparently enough for the Bucks to give him a brand-new one-year contract worth $2.3 million.

Aside from Thanasis, the Bucks also recently signed another Antetokounmpo brother, Alex, to a contract before waiving him not long after. The Bucks plan on keeping him on their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.

These moves by the Bucks clearly indicate that Giannis’ presence on the team is a factor in their decision to bring in his brothers. While it is impossible to know exactly how much of an influence Antetokounmpo had, it’s hard to ignore the fact that his presence likely helped open up opportunities for Thanasis and Alex. It would be naive to think otherwise.