Giannis’ Reliance on Size and Strength: A Double-Edged Sword

Standing at 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan and with explosive athleticism, he’s been aptly nicknamed the “Greek Freak.” His ability to overpower defenders, bulldoze to the rim, and dominate in transition has made him a perennial MVP candidate. However, as Giannis continues to evolve in his career, a recurring critique persists: his game leans heavily on his physical gifts, and he has yet to fully develop the diverse skill set necessary to elevate his game to new heights and ensure long-term success. It is now year 13, what excuse does he have?

The Foundation of Giannis’ Dominance

Giannis’ physical attributes are the cornerstone of his game. His ability to cover ground quickly, combined with his strength, makes him nearly unguardable in certain situations. In transition, he’s a freight train, capable of going coast-to-coast in a few strides, finishing with thunderous dunks over helpless defenders. In the half-court, his long strides allow him to attack the basket with a single step from the three-point line, often overpowering smaller defenders or outmaneuvering slower bigs. His physicality also used to shine on defense, where he could guard multiple positions, switch seamlessly, and protect the rim with his length. (Back when he cared to play defence.)

His efficiency at the rim—converting over 70% of his shots within three feet—stems from his ability to leverage his size and strength to create space and finish through contact. This physical approach has carried him to great heights, including an NBA title and Finals MVP honors, (a long time ago) but it also reveals the cracks in his game when opponents exploit his lack of versatility.

The Limitations of a One-Dimensional Approach

While Giannis’ physical gifts make him a matchup nightmare, his reliance on size and strength becomes a liability against certain defensive schemes, particularly in high-stakes playoff scenarios. Teams like the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and the Miami Heat in 2020 exposed this by employing strategies like the “wall” defense—packing the paint with multiple defenders to neutralize his drives. Without a reliable perimeter game or advanced playmaking skills, Giannis struggles when his path to the basket is cut off.

1. Lack of a Consistent Jump Shot

Giannis’ jump shooting remains a work in progress. His three-point shooting percentage has hovered around 29% for his career, with a high of 30.6% in the 2022-23 season on low volume (1.5 makes per game). Defenders often sag off him, daring him to shoot from beyond the arc or even from mid-range. This lack of shooting threat allows opponents to clog the paint, limiting his driving lanes and forcing him to take low-percentage shots. For comparison, players like Kevin Durant or Nikola Jokić, who combine size with shooting touch, keep defenses honest, creating space for themselves and their teammates.

2. Limited Post Moves

In the post, Giannis relies heavily on power moves—drop steps, spins, or bullying his way to the rim—rather than finesse. Unlike players like Hakeem Olajuwon or even Joel Embiid, who use a variety of footwork and countermoves to score efficiently, Giannis’ post game lacks diversity. Defenders who can match his physicality or anticipate his moves can force him into turnovers or contested shots. His turnover rate (3.7 per game in 2022-23) often spikes when teams force him into crowded areas without a refined arsenal to counter.

3. Playmaking and Decision-Making

While Giannis averages a respectable number of assists, his playmaking is more a product of his ability to draw help defense than advanced court vision. When defenses collapse on his drives, he often makes simple kick-out passes to open shooters, but he struggles to manipulate defenses with the precision of players like LeBron James or Jokić. His assist-to-turnover ratio (1.55 in 2022-23) reflects his tendency to force passes or drives into heavy traffic, particularly in playoff settings where defenses are more disciplined.

4. Free-Throw Shooting Woes

Giannis’ free-throw shooting has been a persistent weakness, with a career average of 68.5%. In high-pressure playoff games, this becomes a glaring issue, as teams intentionally foul him to exploit his inconsistency. His prolonged free-throw routine—often exceeding 10 seconds—also disrupts game flow and puts additional pressure on him mentally. Improving his free-throw percentage to a reliable 75-80% would not only boost his scoring but also deter teams from hacking him in crucial moments.

Playoff Struggles: When Size Isn’t Enough

The playoffs are where Giannis’ reliance on physicality is most exposed. In the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, the Raptors’ “wall” strategy neutralized him, holding him to 22.7 points per game on 44.3% shooting, well below his regular-season averages. Similarly, in 2020, the Heat’s zone defense and physical play limited his effectiveness, leading to a second-round exit. Even in the Bucks’ 2021 championship run, Giannis’ success was partly due to favorable matchups and injuries to opponents like the Nets’ Kyrie Irving and James Harden. In 2023, the Heat once again exploited his limitations, with Giannis shooting just 23.5% from three and struggling against their defensive schemes in a first-round upset.

These playoff performances highlight a key issue: when teams take away Giannis’ primary weapon—his ability to attack the rim—his lack of secondary skills leaves the Bucks vulnerable. Elite defenses know they can afford to give him space on the perimeter, forcing him to either shoot or make plays under pressure, areas where he’s less comfortable. And when opponents care about the game you can be sure they will stop Giannis. What then?

The Path Forward: Developing a More Complete Game

To reach the next level and ensure longevity as an elite player, Giannis must diversify his skill set. Here are some areas where he could focus:

1. Developing a Reliable Jump Shot: Giannis doesn’t need to become a 40% three-point shooter, but improving his mid-range and three-point shooting to league-average levels (around 35%) would force defenders to guard him more closely, opening up driving lanes and creating space for teammates. Working with a shooting coach to refine his mechanics—particularly his release point and consistency—could yield significant dividends.
2. Expanding His Post Game: Adding finesse moves like fadeaways, hook shots, or up-and-under fakes would make Giannis more unpredictable in the post. Studying footage of players like Hakeem or Dirk Nowitzki could help him develop a more versatile scoring arsenal, reducing his reliance on brute force.
3. Improving Playmaking: Giannis could benefit from studying how players like Jokić or Draymond Green read defenses and make precise passes. Enhancing his ability to manipulate defenses with hesitation moves or pick-and-roll play would make him a more complete offensive hub.
4. Fixing Free-Throw Shooting: Simplifying his free-throw routine and building confidence at the line through repetition could push his percentage into the 75-80% range. This would not only boost his scoring but also make him a more reliable closer in tight games.
5. Adapting to Defensive Schemes: Giannis could work on recognizing and countering defensive strategies like zones or walls. Quick decision-making, such as passing out of double-teams or using pump fakes to draw fouls, would make him harder to game-plan against.

The Bigger Picture: Longevity and Legacy

At 30 years old (as of 2025), Giannis is past his prime and the physical toll of his playing style raises questions about longevity. Players who rely heavily on athleticism, like Russell Westbrook, often face challenges as their explosiveness wanes. By developing a more skill-based game, Giannis would ensure he remains a dominant force into his mid-30s, much like LeBron James, who evolved from a slasher to a versatile playmaker and shooter.

Moreover, expanding his skill set would solidify his legacy as one of the all-time greats. While he’s already a two-time MVP and champion, players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant elevated their games by adding layers of skill to their natural gifts. For Giannis to join that pantheon, he must show he can adapt when physicality alone isn’t enough.

His lack of a consistent jump shot, limited post moves, and struggles against elite playoff defenses highlight the need for a more well-rounded game. By investing in his shooting, playmaking, and overall basketball IQ, Giannis can transcend his current ceiling. For now, his physical dominance remains his greatest asset—but also his greatest crutch. The question is whether the Greek Freak can evolve into a complete player because the smarter defenses have clearly caught up with him.