NBA

Thanasis staying local with Knicks’ D-League team: report

Thanasis Antetokounmpo has decided to remain in the New York area rather than play this season overseas in Europe, according to a report by RealGM.

The Knicks’ second round pick — the older brother of burgeoning Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, nicknamed the “Greek Freak” — considered several significant contract offers in Europe. But Antetokounmpo elected to play with the Knicks’ new D-League team in Westchester.

The 6-foot-7 forward will sign directly with Westchester, meaning there will be no training camp invite, according to RealGM, which allows the Knicks to keep his rights and off the available market as a free agent if he didn’t make the team.

Antetokounmpo was New York’s 51st overall selection in the NBA Draft in June. He displayed impressive defensive ability in five summer league games in Las Vegas while averaging three points and nearly two rebounds per game.

Antetokounmpo started his pro career a year ago with Delaware of the D-League. He averaged 12 points and 4.6 rebounds in 50 games.