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Milwaukee Bucks: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By Josh Cornelissen

Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) calls for the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) calls for the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (notpictured) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo (SF/PF) – No. 15 pick in 2013 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Bucks):  318 GP, 14.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 2.3 TOV, 49.7 FG%, 27.7 3P%, 74.0 FT%

Giannis Antetokounmpo is, quite simply, the hope of Milwaukee’s future. There is excitement around Thon Maker, and Jabari Parker is a gifted scorer. Malcolm Brogdon was a second round steal, and Khris Middleton is still underrated as a two-way wing. But Giannis Antetokounmpo is the future.

Based on statistical accomplishment alone, Antetokounmpo hasn’t yet earned this ranking. But the “Greek Freak” has not only energized a fan base and given Milwaukee the true superstar they were searching for, but has also done so by revolutionizing NBA positions and breaking all manners of comparison.

A true point forward like Paul Pressey before him (and LeBron James directly before), Antetokounmpo possesses the handle and passing instincts to handle the ball-handling duties full time. This also minimizes his greatest weakness – poor outside shooting – and maximizes the talent around him. His frame (more like Kevin Durant than LeBron) speaks to greater potential simply lying in wait.

More than just a passing forward, Antetokounmpo is a lockdown defender capable of guarding 1-5. His steal and block rates were among the league leaders this past season, and overall he led the Bucks in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks per game.

Antetokounmpo will be just 22 when the 2017-18 NBA season begins, and already ranks 19th in franchise history in career win shares. If he stays with the Bucks for the duration of his recently signed extension and merely maintains his level of production, Antetokounmpo will leap to third in career win shares. If he continues to improve as he has every season of his career, Antetokounmpo could one day be the most productive Buck in franchise history.

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