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Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo Is The Next Big Thing

By Greg Chin

Nov 26, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Bucks defeated the Timberwolves 103-86. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Bucks defeated the Timberwolves 103-86. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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When he first came into the league, the big fuss surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo was how long his name was. Instead of talking about his potential as an NBA player, fans were wondering how the Milwaukee Bucks would fit “Antetokounmpo” on the back of his jersey.

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On TV, analysts were wondering how to pronounce his name. They weren’t talking about his physical gifts – the 6’11” frame, his 7’3” wingspan, or the fact that he was still 19 and his growth plates were still open, which meant he wasn’t done growing just yet. In fact, the Bucks were widely ridiculed for “wasting” the 15th pick on the guy playing in the Greek second-tier basketball league.

One season later, and the focus surrounding Giannis has changed. In just one short season, he has gone from relative unknown to the face of the Bucks’ franchise.

But first, let’s be honest here. Giannis’ rookie season with the Bucks wasn’t all that great. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He played 77 games in total, and 23 of them were starts. There were flashes of greatness in his game, but it was very clear that he was still a bundle of raw potential.

Still, on the surface, there was nothing great about his game – his value over replacement player was 0.1.

That said, to be fair, Giannis was only 19. Do you remember what you were doing at 19? Most of the nation’s top talents are playing against their peers at the college level at that age, not suiting up against superstars like James Harden, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.

People began to take notice of Giannis, they saw what he could do with his wingspan, they took note of how much ground he covered with one long stride of his, they began seeing the potential.

This season, we’re seeing more of that potential being realized. Under coach Jason Kidd, Giannis is encouraged to drive the ball more, and is being tasked with a bigger role on the offense. He’s had a year of NBA experience under his belt, and resembles more like an NBA-ready player.

He’s more comfortable with the ball in his hand, and with his size at the guard position, the possibilities are endless.

Honestly, when did you last hear of a 6’11 shooting guard?

Giannis reminds me of Anthony Davis. Both are long limbed and lanky athletic freaks of nature. Davis has more basketball experience under his belt (even when he was 20), but we’re seeing him explode in his breakout season this year. Giannis’ explosion will be delayed, as he still has much to learn from a basketball standpoint, but the potential for it is there.

The Greek Freak has the physical tools to become the NBA’s next big thing; all he needs now is to harness it in the right way.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Without a Championship

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