Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo Taking The Next Step

The Raw Numbers

In four games (he missed the team’s season opener, serving a one-game suspension for his body slam of Mike Dunleavy in the playoffs last year), the Greek Freak is averaging 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting a staggering 59.3 percent from the floor, 50 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from the foul line.

For a guy who posted 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game on .491/.159/.741 shooting splits last year, the first couple games of the 2015-16 campaign have been a stark improvement.

As is required with any kind of first week takeaway, we have to acknowledge that four games is a tiny sample size. But the way that Antetokounmpo has come out in these first couple of games and dominated on both ends of the floor has been exhilarating to watch from a player who’s starting to put it all together despite not being old enough to able to legally purchase alcohol yet.

In his first game of the season, the Greek Freak came out and made a statement in a close loss to the Washington Wizards, notching 27 points (two shy of his career high), nine rebounds and three steals. He went 9-for-15 from the floor and, as shown on the previous slide, welcomed Nene to early retirement.

In his first three games of the season, Giannis scored at least 20 points, marking the first time he’s reached that mark in three consecutive games. It’s still early in the season, but the way that Antetokounmpo has come out firing right off the bat has made for an encouraging start.

Next: Offensive Efficiency