Greece’s Thanasis Antetokounmpo will be able to show his skills when the Knicks open their Las Vegas Summer League schedule Friday, but The Post has learned it is expected to be the last American venue for their second-round selection for a while.
According to an NBA source, the Knicks drafted him with plans of stashing him in Europe for one season, even if he has a solid summer league showing. Antetokounmpo could have other ideas, and the Knicks claim officially no decision has been made yet. The Knicks have their first summer-league practice Tuesday in Las Vegas. Antetokounmpo was selected by the Knicks with the 51st pick, which they acquired as part of the Mavericks trade that sent Tyson Chandler to Dallas.
The Post reported last week a Greek team was interested in signing the 21-year-old brother of Bucks rookie revelation Giannis Antetokounmpo, known as “The Greek Freak.”
Thanasis played last season in the D-League with the Delaware franchise, averaging 12 points and four rebounds. But the 6-foot-7 guard needs more seasoning in team president Phil Jackson’s eyes, though the organization loves his tenacity. Jackson also doesn’t want to use one of his 15 roster spots. It is unclear which team Antetokounmpo will play for in Europe.
The summer league will be highlighted by second-round pick Cleanthony Early of Wichita State, who the Knicks thought would go in the mid- to late first round. He has been called the steal of the second round by many experts, and the Knicks believe he’ll thrive in the triangle offense.
Knicks officials have not commented yet on their draft picks.