Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking Giannis Antetokounmpo and the starting five

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks high fives Jrue Holiday #21 against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Photo by Brian Fluharty-Pool/Getty Images /

3. Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday is the one member of the starting lineup that wasn’t a member of the Bucks. He’s off to a decent start in his Milwaukee career, although there are still times where he seems to be adjusting to no longer needing to carry a team on his back every night.

In his maiden voyage in Milwaukee, Holiday is averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. All of those numbers are down from last year – all would in fact be his worst marks since the 2016-17 season – but comparing this year to his time in New Orleans is apples to oranges. His usage rate this season is 19.1 percent, his lowest since his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009-10.

Besides, his defensive numbers are through the roof. Holiday, always a good theft of the ball, is averaging 2.2 steals per game, good for second in the league and well on his way to a career-high in that category. The point guard ranks in the top 20 in both total (10th) and defensive (12th) win shares and is hanging just outside of the top 20 in offensive win shares as well.

Holiday is no longer the alpha he once was, but he makes a good case as the best third-ranked starter in the NBA. He should make his third All-Defensive team and could be poised to make the Conference Finals (and more) for the first time in his illustrious career.

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