Protecting the paint defensively can become vulnerable
While Antetokounmpo’s presence at the center position can be an upgrade on offense, it can also become a risk on the defensive end. The Bucks are known for their excellent interior defense, largely due to the tandem of Giannis alongside center Brook Lopez (or even Robin Lopez).
Brook averaged 2.4 blocks in the regular season and has a legit argument to be selected to one of the All-NBA Defensive teams. As a 7-foot anchor that constantly disrupts movement while creating discomfort for opponents around the rim, his impact has proved to be an essential part of Milwaukee’s top-tier defense.
Nevertheless, when the Lopez twins are off the court, it leaves better opportunities for teams to score in the paint against the Bucks.
Giannis having to switch onto Magic guard Markelle Fultz on this play forces 6’1″ Eric Bledsoe to have to guard 6’11” Vucevic, resulting in an easy layup for Orlando. Giannis also made the mistake of taking Fultz’s shot fake bait and shifting too high, which ultimately set up the leisurely bucket.
It’s important to note that as much as an elite defender and shot-blocker that Antetokounmpo is, he still doesn’t have a defensive IQ in the mind of a center, unlike Brook Lopez. The mental aspect of defending as the center or anchor of the defense involves more concepts about positioning and cleansing, and Giannis isn’t as experienced with that.
Teams will try and exploit Milwaukee’s interior defense when Giannis is at the five, especially in pick and roll situations, and they’re more than likely to at least get a high percentage shot if executed properly. Even if the Bucks want to try and lock down the paint with this lineup, it won’t be very effective since everyone surrounding Giannis is predominantly a perimeter (smaller) defender.
Although, it seems that Mike Budenholzer and the coaching staff have accepted the risk of becoming more fragile defensively if it means more efficient looks on the offensive end. As this small-ball philosophy seems to be becoming more of a trend for some teams in the modern-day NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks could continue to utilize it moving forward with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the center position.