Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo should stop taking 3-pointers

How 1994 MVP Hakeem Olajuwon compares to Giannis Antetokounmpo

Like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets possessed foot speed and agility rarely seen in seven-footers. However, it was Hakeem’s elite footwork and understanding of angles that earned him the nickname “The Dream.”

In 1994, Olajuwon accomplished something that wouldn’t be duplicated until Giannis himself pulled off the feat in 2020; winning Defensive Player of the Year and MVP in the same season. That year, The Dream attempted a total of 19 3-pointers while knocking down eight of them. That 42.1 percent clip from distance would be considered elite by today’s standards.

Why then, didn’t Coach Rudy Tomjanovich encouraged Olajuwon to abandon the paint, stand by the 3-point line and become a “stretch-five”? The answer is because, although he was capable of knocking down 3-pointers, Olajuwon’s ability to score in the paint and from the mid-range made him impossible to guard in one-on-one coverage. Demanding a double team gave Houston’s role players like Robert Horry, Sam Cassell, Kenny Smith and Mario Elie room to operate and become offensive threats in their own right. Hoisting four 3-pointers a game may have resulted in more points for Hakeem, but I’m sure the Rockets would rather have the 1994 championship instead.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the top five basketball players in the world. His height and athleticism make him stand out among his peers. While he is certainly a skilled player, shooting from beyond the arc is not one of his strengths. Fortunately for the Greek Freak, other players with similar skill sets have been able to thrive without relying on the 3-pointer. It’s time for Giannis to abandon the 3-point shot and become the dominant force he was born to be. Doing so will open up passing lanes and provide more scoring opportunities for his teammates. Who knows? It might even help him win that elusive NBA championship.