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Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo Taking The Next Step

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 2, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against Brooklyn Nets small forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against Brooklyn Nets small forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) tries to shoot past Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Efficiency

What’s truly scary, apart from his 6’11” frame and all-encompassing wingspan, is that it’s only taken the Greek Freak 13.5 shots a night to get to his 21.3 points per game. He’s gone 9-for-15, 8-for-12, 8-for-16 and 7-for-11 from the floor in his first four games.

The addition of Greg Monroe has obviously given the Bucks a go-to scoring option, but Giannis is actually taking more shots on a nightly basis than Monroe (13.2 per game) so far this season.

With opposing defenses focused on containing Monroe on the block, Antetokounmpo has been a terror slashing to the rim, like the aforementioned play where Monroe finds him cutting to the basket and Giannis proceeds to lay Nene in an early grave. The Greek Freak is posting a great three-point percentage, sure, but he’s only attempted eight of them this season.

The truth is, Giannis still probably needs to work on his jumper. But that’s okay, provided he continues to be relatively efficient on a limited number of attempts from the outside. The real reason he’s been so effective is because he’s using his speed and length to get to his spot — the most efficient spot in the game of basketball:

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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shot chart five games into the 2015-16 season, via NBA.com/stats /

As you can see from his shot chart thus far, Antetokounmpo has feasted on looks right at the basket, where he’s made about 62 percent of his attempts. According to NBA.com, nearly 80 percent of his shots have come from within 10 feet of the basket, and 22 of his 32 field goal attempts have been assisted.

That’s a testament to the well-balanced passing of this young team, but it also speaks volumes as to Antetokounmpo’s high basketball IQ. With his constant cutting and unstoppable strides, it’s been hard for defenders to stop him from getting to where he wants on the floor — especially in the open court.

In a pace and space league that’s moving further toward Daryl Morey’s trey-or-layup mentality, Antetokounmpo’s hatred for the midrange area of the court has helped him thrive so far this season.

Next: The Defensive End

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