Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks among the worst in NBA history or current seasons in several key areas, despite his superstar status and multiple accolades. Here are the most significant statistical weaknesses in his game:

Shooting Deficiencies

Free Throw Shooting Crisis
Giannis’s free throw shooting represents one of the most glaring weaknesses for any superstar player. His career average of 71.7% is concerning for someone who gets to the line frequently, but his 2020-21 season was historically poor at just 57.5%. During one game against Dallas, he went an abysmal 1-for-10 from the free throw line, joining an exclusive group of only four players in NBA history to shoot below 10% on 10+ attempts in a single game.

Three-Point Shooting Regression
Perhaps most troubling is Giannis’ unprecedented four-year consecutive decline in three-point percentage from 2019-2023. In 2018, he posted the worst three-point percentage (10.7% on 56 attempts) among all NBA players with at least 50 attempts, finishing dead last in the league. His current 2024-25 season shows minimal improvement at just 19% on 0.8 attempts per game. He is closer to the worse NBA season ever in this category!

Mid-Range Shooting Disaster
In the paint outside the restricted area, Giannis shot an abysmal 27.9% on 197 attempts during one analyzed season, ranking 62nd out of 62 qualified players – literally the worst among all players with similar volume. This represents a massive weakness in his offensive arsenal.

Ball Handling and Decision Making

Turnover Problems
Giannis consistently ranks among the league leaders in turnovers, averaging 3.7 per game during his peak seasons. This is exceptionally high for a non-point guard and reflects poor ball security relative to his usage rate. His turnover rate is particularly concerning on drives, where he frequently loses control of the basketball.

Ball Security Issues
Despite being a primary ball handler, Giannis exhibits poor ball security when attacking the rim. His high turnover rate on drives stems from inadequate ball handling fundamentals and decision-making under pressure.

Rule Violations and Officiating

Free Throw Routine Violations
Giannis has been called for multiple 10-second violations during playoff games and regularly exceeds the time limit. His free throw routine is the longest in the NBA, with opponents and crowds regularly counting to 12+ seconds before he releases the ball. The NBA’s Last Two Minute Reports have documented numerous instances where he should have been called for violations but wasn’t.

Travel Violations
Video analysis reveals that Giannis commits multiple traveling violations per game that go uncalled due to superstar treatment. Official NBA referee training videos have used Giannis as an example of traveling violations, yet these infractions are rarely penalized during games.

Offensive Fouls and Charges
Giannis frequently commits offensive fouls and charges that go uncalled, benefiting from inconsistent officiating. He’s among the leaders in uncalled charging fouls, often bulldozing through defenders without consequence.

Clutch Performance Issues

Late-Game Efficiency
Despite his overall excellence, Giannis has shown declining efficiency in clutch situations. The Milwaukee Bucks have had some of the worst clutch-time offensive ratings in recent seasons, partly due to Giannis’s struggles in crucial moments.

Fourth Quarter Performance
Analysis shows that Giannis’s fourth-quarter efficiency often drops compared to earlier quarters, with his decision-making and shot selection becoming more questionable in pressure situations.

Historical Context and Improvement Rate

Lack of Skill Development
Most concerning is Giannis’s minimal improvement in key areas despite years of practice. His three-point shooting improvement rate is among the worst for any superstar player, showing little meaningful progress over multiple seasons despite significant investment in shooting coaches and practice time.

Unprecedented Regression
For a player of Giannis’s caliber and MVP status, having four consecutive years of three-point percentage decline is virtually unprecedented in NBA history. Most elite players show improvement or at least maintain their shooting percentages over time.

The comprehensive data reveals that while Giannis excels in some things in easier games and in the regular season, he ranks among the NBA’s worst performers in several crucial skills. These weaknesses become more pronounced in playoff situations where teams can exploit his limitations through strategic fouling and defensive schemes that force him into uncomfortable shooting situations.