Greek Freak Analyzed

Category: SKILLS

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo Doesn’t Deserve Eastern Conference Player of the Week

    Giannis Antetokounmpo Doesn’t Deserve Eastern Conference Player of the Week

    The NBA’s Eastern Conference is a gauntlet of talent, and as we wrap up the first full week of the 2025-26 season (October 20-26), the league handed out its Player of the Week honors. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo snagged the Eastern nod, averaging a monstrous 36.0 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on 68.3% shooting across his games. On paper, it’s the kind of stat line that screams dominance—especially capping it off with a 40-point, 14-rebound, nine-assist masterpiece on Sunday. But let’s pump the brakes. In a week where the East’s guard play lit up the league and under-the-radar performers flipped narratives, Giannis’s award feels like a default nod to the Greek Freak’s reputation rather than a true meritocracy.

    Player of the Week should celebrate the players who single-handedly elevated their teams amid tough schedules, overcame adversity, or simply outshone the field in impact. Giannis had a great week, sure, but he wasn’t the only one carrying a franchise on his back—or dropping jaws with rookie audacity. He played two games against two of the worse in the NBA and only one against a decent opponent (who the Bucks lost to).

    Just look at that truly pathetic shot chart. It is Giannis so far this season. No mid range at all. No skill. No improvement. Still terrible at the free throw line. A one trick pony that we all know will fail in the playoffs.

    LaMelo Ball: The Unicorn’s Triple-Double Machine Keeps Charlotte Dreaming

    If we’re talking all-around brilliance, LaMelo Ball is the name that should’ve topped the ballot. The Hornets guard orchestrated Charlotte’s surprising 3-1 start, averaging 23.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and a league-high-tying 8.0 assists per game while flirting with triple-doubles nightly. In a Wednesday blowout win over the Wizards, LaMelo dropped 20 points and eight dimes with just three turnovers, turning a middling roster into a fast-break frenzy.

    Giannis? He’s got Damian Lillard and a stacked frontcourt to lean on. LaMelo’s doing this with training wheels still on for the Hornets’ rebuild. His flair—those no-look passes and deep bombs—has Charlotte relevant again, and his efficiency (45.5% FG) proves he’s matured beyond the meme. Player of the Week isn’t just about raw points; it’s about making your team better. LaMelo did that in spades.

    Jalen Brunson: The Knicks’ Ice-Cold Assassin in the Clutch

    New York Knicks fans know Jalen Brunson as their closer, and this week, he was surgical. Averaging 30.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, Brunson torched defenses en route to a 3-1 Knicks record. His Sunday explosion—37 points, seven assists, and three steals in a heartbreaker against Miami—nearly willed the Knicks to victory despite a brutal road slate.

    Compare that to Giannis: The Bucks faced softer competition, Brunson’s doing it from the guard spot, navigating double-teams with skill and style. Brunson’s 45.3% shooting isn’t gaudy, but his mid-range mastery and poise in crunch time (hello, game-winners) make him the East’s most reliable star right now. The Knicks are contenders because of him—not in spite of him.

    VJ Edgecombe: The Rookie Phenom Who Stole the Show

    Hold onto your seats: In his NBA debut week, VJ Edgecombe—the No. 2 overall pick out of Baylor, now lighting it up for the Heat—averaged 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 46.3% shooting. This 19-year-old Bahamian blur transitioned seamlessly from college dominance to pro savagery, capping preseason hype with real-season fireworks (think 26 points and five steals in a Friday thriller).

    Rookies rarely sniff Player of the Week, but Edgecombe’s two-way terror—disrupting passing lanes while slashing to the rim—has Miami’s revamped backcourt humming alongside Jimmy Butler. Giannis is a veteran MVP; Edgecombe is rewriting the rookie script. In a league obsessed with youth, snubbing him feels like ignoring the next big thing.

    Tyrese Maxey: Philly’s Speed Demon Drops 40-Bomb Fireworks

    Tyrese Maxey is playing like a man possessed, averaging a blistering 34.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists to propel the Sixers to a 4-0 start. His midweek eruption—40 points on 7-of-9 from deep, plus six assists—dismantled the Knicks in a statement win, all while Embiid nurses a minor tweak.

    Maxey’s 45.5% efficiency belies his explosiveness; he’s the East’s fastest scorer, turning turnovers into transition daggers. Giannis dominates inside; Maxey owns the break. With Philly eyeing another Finals run, Maxey’s week wasn’t just stats—it was a coronation. Why reward the expected when lightning like this strikes?

    Donovan Mitchell: Spida’s October Onslaught Keeps Cleveland Elite

    Donovan Mitchell feasted in October, averaging 35.5 points on 55.0% shooting, 11.0 boards, and 4.0 threes per game across the Cavs’ undefeated streak. Even in a “down” game (17 points Tuesday), he stuffed the stat sheet with steals and triples, but his highs—like 40-plus explosions—powered Cleveland’s defense-first identity.

    At 30.0 points for the season already, Mitchell’s the East’s most dynamic scorer, blending volume with victory (Cavs 4-0). Giannis rebounds like a monster, but Mitchell’s creating his own gravity without a true big man next to him. Cleveland’s atop the standings because Spida’s dialed in—full stop.

    Norman Powell: The Heat’s Unsung Sixth Man Turned Starter

    Last but not least, Norman Powell—fresh off his offseason move to Miami—emerged as the Heat’s X-factor, averaging 21.5 points and a surprising 7.5 rebounds with 2.5 assists on 48.3% shooting. His Wednesday clinic (28 points, nine boards, four dimes) sparked a comeback win over the Knicks, proving he’s more than a microwave scorer—he’s a full-course meal.

    Powell’s rebounding surge (up from last year’s 3.2) fits Miami’s gritty ethos perfectly, and at 24.0 points per game overall, he’s outpacing his career norms. Giannis is the Bucks’ alpha; Powell’s the Heat’s glue guy elevating a contender. In a week of guard galore, his versatility got slept on.

    Time to Rethink the Award

    Giannis is a lock for All-NBA, no doubt. He will probably set his bot army to fake vote for him (allegedly!) like they did the past seasons. But Player of the Week? This honor belongs to the innovators, the overachievers, the ones turning heads when no one’s watching. Ball’s vision, Brunson’s clutch gene, Edgecombe’s rookie rage, Maxey’s blaze, Mitchell’s firepower, and Powell’s grit all outshone the Freak this week. The East is deeper than ever. Stop defaulting to the big name and start celebrating the symphony. Giannis doesn’t impact games that matter. He played two easy opponents and failed when it mattered. Worse still, the way he plays is killing his team, a ball hog in every sense of the word.

  • KYLE KUZMA was second best player of the bucks last season??

    KYLE KUZMA was second best player of the bucks last season??

    So you have seen this chart before. It shows that Giannis, despite not being much good at dribbling, held the ball more than anyone. Despite his tendency for turnovers, he insists on bringing the ball down and then wasting time holding it.

    Some say this is on purpose. For sure it helps boost his stats. Opponents shoot. Everyone on the Bucks team clears out for Giannis to boost his rebound stats. Then Giannis brings down the ball looking for an easy dunk. He often gets locked up and then wastes more time because he has no skills to disentangle himself. When he does pass it is often too late to team mates that are covered defensively. Still, when we link the amount of time Bucks’ players had the ball to their points, this is the chart:

    Amazingly Giannis is 8th. Makes sense. Because even when he gets fouled, he converts free throws terribly. KPJ makes the most of what little time with the ball he is given.

    Giannis’ tendency to dominate the ball for the Milwaukee Bucks has sparked considerable debate and criticism, especially as his usage rate continues to rise each season. In the 2024-25 season, Giannis’s usage reached league-leading levels, with nearly 35% of the Bucks’ possessions ending with his actions, and this figure spiked even higher during periods when Damian Lillard was absent.​

    Downsides of Giannis’s Ball Dominance

    • Ball-stopping and predictability: When so many possessions flow through Giannis, opposing defenses can focus on collapsing the paint and crowding him, making the Bucks’ offense more predictable and easier to scheme against in crucial playoff moments. This “heliocentric” approach often slows ball movement and reduces chances for teammates to find rhythm and confidence in key stretches.​
    • Under-utilization of teammates: Despite talents like Lillard or Middleton, the offense has repeatedly struggled to maximize their skill sets because so many plays still funnel directly through Giannis. This creates a scenario where valuable offensive players become spot-up shooters or afterthoughts, rather than being integrated as dynamic threats.​ New players simply don’t touch the ball enough.
    • Sustainability and fatigue: The enormous responsibility placed on Giannis not only makes the Bucks vulnerable if he struggles or faces fatigue, but also risks injury or long-term wear as he is now in his 30s. Relying on one player to generate most of the offense makes the team less resilient in playoff series or against elite defenses.​

    Evidence of Problems

    • Usage rate trends: Giannis consistently leads the league or nears the top in usage rate, a classic trait of ball-dominant systems that have mixed playoff success. In clutch moments, the offense tends to stall or force Giannis into heavily contested shots, resulting in lower efficiency or turnovers.​
    • Playoff disappointments: Playoff exits in recent seasons have frequently included criticism of the Bucks’ inability to adapt offensively when Giannis is neutralized. Ball dominance discourages other creators from developing confidence, shown in stagnant offense late in games.​
    • Calls for diversified offense: Analysts, coaches, and even teammates have advocated for more diverse offensive sets by reducing Giannis’s workload and sharing playmaking responsibility, recognizing that a more balanced approach is essential to success at the highest levels of competition.​

    The narrative that Giannis “hogs” the ball is backed by the data and on-court impact: while the Bucks remain extremely reliant on his talents, this overreliance has financial and competitive costs, especially in the playoffs. For Milwaukee to reach its full potential, a clear shift toward more collaborative, multi-faceted offensive schemes is urgently needed.​

    What have we seen so far? Well the Bucks coaching team saw how Spanoulis used Giannis in the Olympics. But they can’t copy it. Why? Because Giannis has become hooked on getting his stat padding in every game and refuses to share the ball even now. If the Bucks’ marketing team was honest, this is what the graphic would look like after a game:

  • 7 NBA Stars Dominating the First Two Games of 2025-26: Giannis? Nope!

    7 NBA Stars Dominating the First Two Games of 2025-26: Giannis? Nope!

    The 2025-26 NBA season has kicked off with an offensive explosion, and seven superstars—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aaron Gordon, Luka Dončić, Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama, Tyrese Maxey, and Alperen Şengün—are leading the charge. Through the first two games, these players have delivered performances that are rewriting record books and setting the tone for an electrifying season. At the same time Giannis, playing two of the worse teams in the NBA for his first two games, still can’t shoot mid range, still has loads of turnovers, still can’t screen. He simply has not developed at all.

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Thunder’s Scoring Tsunami

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making an early MVP case with a jaw-dropping 45.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game on 47.4% shooting through two games. In the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season opener, a 141-135 double-overtime thriller against the Indiana Pacers, SGA erupted for a career-high 55 points (15-31 FG, 23-26 FT), tying Russell Westbrook for the most 50-point games in Thunder history. He followed it up in Game 2 with 35 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, powering OKC to another victory and a 2-0 start. His two-game total of 90 points ranks fourth all-time for an opening weekend in NBA history. SGA’s silky mid-range game, relentless drives, and 88.5% free-throw shooting are making him a nightly highlight reel. The Thunder look like title contenders, and Shai’s in the driver’s seat.

    Aaron Gordon: Denver’s Unexpected Scoring Juggernaut

    Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets’ high-flying forward, has shocked the league with 50.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on an unreal 81.0% from the field. In Denver’s opener, a 137-131 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors, Gordon exploded for a career-best 50 points, including a franchise-record 10 three-pointers, joining Michael Jordan and Kyrie Irving as one of the few to drop 50 in an opener. Known for his dunks and defense, Gordon’s sudden emergence as a long-range assassin alongside Nikola Jokić gives Denver a terrifying new dimension. This isn’t the AG we knew—this is a superstar reborn.

    Luka Dončić: Lakers’ New Wizard Wows in Hollywood

    Luka Dončić’s blockbuster move to the Los Angeles Lakers is paying immediate dividends. He’s averaging 43.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, with playmaking flair that’s lighting up Tinseltown. In the opener, a 119-109 loss, Luka delivered 43 points (17-27 FG), 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in 41 minutes, showcasing his signature step-back threes and paint dominance. At 26, Luka’s vision and scoring touch are meshing perfectly even without LeBron James on the floor yet this season, making the Lakers’ offense a nightly spectacle. If this is Luka’s baseline in purple and gold, the league’s in trouble.

    Anthony Edwards: Ant-Man’s Explosive Start

    Anthony Edwards is staking his claim as the NBA’s next big thing, averaging 41.0 points per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Game 1, he showcased his athleticism and shooting touch, setting the stage for a breakout season. Game 2 saw him drop 31 points (11-19 FG, 3-6 3PT) in a loss, but his efficiency and aggression were undeniable. Across both games, Edwards’ blend of highlight-reel dunks, deep threes, and improved playmaking alongside Rudy Gobert has Minnesota dreaming big. At just 24, Ant-Man’s confidence and swagger make every game must-watch TV. The Wolverine is clawing his way to superstardom.

    Victor Wembanyama: The Alien’s Sophomore Surge

    Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ 7’4” unicorn, is averaging a monstrous 40.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 71.4% FG through two games. His opener was a masterclass, with a double-double featuring rim-rattling dunks, blocks that sent shots into the stands, and smooth perimeter shooting. His length and skill make him a defensive nightmare, while his offensive versatility has Spurs fans envisioning a dynasty under Gregg Popovich. Wembanyama isn’t just the future—he’s the present, and he’s rewriting what a big man can do.

    Tyrese Maxey: Philly’s Speedy Scoring Sensation

    Tyrese Maxey is torching defenses for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 40.0 points and 6.0 assists on 54.2% shooting. In the opener, he set the tone with blazing speed and a quick release, racking up points in bunches. Game 2 he had limited minutes, but his full performances show a star who’s taken a leap, complementing Joel Embiid with drives and jumpers. Maxey’s ability to score efficiently in transition and create for others is making Philly’s offense lethal. At 24, he’s no longer a rising star—he’s arrived, and the Sixers are reaping the rewards.

    Alperen Şengün: Houston’s Triple-Double Titan

    Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün is a stat-sheet stuffer, averaging 39.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on 50.0% shooting. His opener showcased his post dominance and passing wizardry, with a near-triple-double that set the tone for Houston’s 2-0 start. Game 2 kept the momentum, with Şengün’s soft touch and Jokić-like vision creating nightmares for opponents. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate at 23 years old has the Rockets looking like playoff locks. Şengün’s Turkish hammer is pounding, and Houston’s frontcourt is a force.

    A Season Already Ablaze

    These seven stars aren’t just playing well—they’re setting the NBA on fire. With 50-point outbursts, triple-doubles, and record-breaking efficiency, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be a historic one. Shai’s scoring, Gordon’s shooting, Luka’s playmaking, Edwards’ explosiveness, Wemby’s dominance, Maxey’s speed, and Şengün’s versatility are just the beginning. As we roll into Week 2, the question isn’t who’s playing better—it’s how much higher this ceiling can go. Oh and they are driving TV ratings crazy (unlike Giannis.) These players can dribble, control the game, shoot from any distance, provide solutions for their teams in tough matchups.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo: Not Eclipsing

    the New-Age Scorers

    In a season opener that’s seen a barrage of 40+ point explosions from the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aaron Gordon, and the rest of our highlighted seven, you might wonder where Milwaukee’s Greek Freak fits in. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and perennial All-NBA beast, is off to another monster start—historically so, in fact. But against the easiest opponents possible. Through the Bucks’ 2-0 beginning (a

    133-120 rout of the Wizards followed by a gritty win over the Raptors), he’s posted 30.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, becoming the first player ever to hit 60-30-10 in a season’s opening duo. Game 1: 37 points, 14 boards, 5 dimes on 16-of-26 shooting. Game 2: A double-double that sealed the historic line, with his relentless drives and rim-finishing keeping Milwaukee’s offense humming. Of course to be fair, while the other players mentioned in this post where playing the toughest team’s in the league, Giannis was playing the very worse. And he is still a ball hog as you can see on the chart.

    Giannis isn’t quite “close” to the supernova pace of those seven right now: He hasn’t shown the kind of tangible, eye-popping improvement that’s catapulting the others into uncharted territory. Those guys? We’re seeing Aaron Gordon morph into a 50-point, 10-three sniper (81% FG be damned); Luka Dončić

    seamlessly integrating into a new Lakers system with 43-12 lines; Victor Wembanyama expanding his alien toolkit to 40-15 dominance; and Tyrese Maxey evolving from spark plug to 40-point Ferrari. It’s leap-year growth: New skills, higher ceilings, “holy crap, he can do that now?” moments that scream evolution. Again last night, no mid range shooting.

    Giannis? He’s Giannis. The 30-15-5 is elite, sure—it’s MVP-adjacent and has the Bucks looking cohesive early under Doc Rivers—but it’s a refinement of what he’s done for years. His free-throw woes persist (around 57% last season, no signs of a breakthrough yet) and there’s no radical shift in playstyle to suggest he’s adapting to the league’s scoring arms race. Last year, he averaged 30.4-11.9-6.5; this year, it’s tracking eerily similar, just with more rebounding grunt work. No added pull-up range, no sudden point-forward explosion, no “I’ve unlocked mid-range mastery” arc like SGA. It’s dominance, but it’s familiar dominance—beautiful in its brutality, but not the “amazingly improved” revelation that’s got the others rewriting highlight reels. And in the 4th quarter nobody is expecting him to become clutch. Gary Trent Jr scored the same amount of points in half the minutes. In fact why was Giannis even on the floor at the end as the Bucks were blowing the Raptors out?

    Don’t get it twisted: Giannis is still a walking triple-double threat who’s dragging Milwaukee toward contention despite roster flux (hello, Myles Turner spacing). If the Bucks gel around his paint-pounding, he could average 32-12-7 by midseason and remind everyone why he’s the Freak. But in this early-season fireworks show, where the narrative is all about who’s leveled up now, Giannis feels like the grizzled vet holding the fort rather than igniting the revolution. He’s close in impact, miles ahead in hardware, but that lack of a clear “new trick” keeps him a step behind the evolution parade—for now. Keep watching; the Greek Freak doesn’t stay stagnant for long.

  • I know what they did this summer (while Giannis was statIC

    I know what they did this summer (while Giannis was statIC

    Despite his status as one of the NBA’s elite, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s early performances this season suggest that he has not notably expanded his skill set over the summer. Observers and analysts have noted that Giannis continues to rely on his physical dominance, downhill driving, and interior finishing, with little visible improvement in his outside shooting mechanics or consistency from mid-range, nor an increase in his playmaking sophistication in the

    halfcourt offense. Defensive versatility remains his strength, but there’s no evidence that he has addressed long-standing weaknesses such as unreliable free-throw shooting or limited off-ball scoring tools. He went just 5-of-12 from the line (41.7%), continuing a long-standing issue that has plagued his efficiency in recent seasons (he’s shot below 66% from the stripe in each of the last three years). This inefficiency led to a notable moment early in the game when he was called for a 10-second violation on a free throw, delaying his attempt for over 12 seconds. And of course no mid range. 1 out of 6 against the worse team in the league is pathetic. This lack of noticeable skill growth stands in contrast to the significant development shown by other rising stars around the league who

    entered the season with clearly sharpened or new elements to their games.

    By the way that chart on the left is proof that nothing has changed. Giannis is still a massive ball hog.

    Victor Wembanyama: The Defensive Dynamo Ascends

    Victor Wembanyama’s second NBA offseason took on a special intensity after recovering from a blood clot scare that ended his season early. Determined to return both stronger and more versatile, he crafted a training regimen focused on “violent” physical conditioning, global experiences, and mastering alternative movement styles.

    Rather than polishing just his offensive moves, Wembanyama spent months with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon learning low-post footwork and body control. He placed a relentless emphasis on fitness, physical strength, and recovery, dedicating far more hours to defensive drills—sometimes defending every teammate in succession, without a breather. The change in his physique has enabled him to absorb contact, contest shots more aggressively, and improve lateral movement—hallmarks of top-tier rim protectors.​

    Wembanyama’s improved three-point accuracy (up to 35% despite high volume), his expanded leadership voice, and the confidence gleaned from a productive, pain-free summer have transformed him into a more complete, dominant force. His Spurs teammates now see him as both a physical and vocal anchor, elevating team standards on both ends.​

    Tyrese Maxey: Evolution into a Lead Playmaker

    Tyrese Maxey’s offseason was defined by a shift in mentality: he’s no longer just a scorer, but the Sixers’ engine. With James Harden now gone, Maxey worked with the team’s coaching staff to master manipulation of defenses, run the pick-and-roll, and generate open shots for both himself and others. Summer workouts focused on increasing his passing creativity and controlling game tempo—skills crucial for a lead guard.

    Maxey’s spot-up shooting has also unlocked new levels of consistency. He refined his shooting mechanics, particularly adding more arc and working on smooth releases to eliminate his tendency to shoot flat. His relentless shooting routines led to more reliable results from well beyond the arc. Leadership was a focal point too: Maxey is now seen as the vocal leader in Philadelphia, with the expectation he’ll keep teammates engaged and elevate the Sixers in clutch moments.

    Anthony Edwards: Embracing Contact, Playmaking, and Leadership

    Training with advice from veterans and coaches, Anthony Edwards focused on handling defensive pressure, playmaking, and embracing leadership responsibilities this summer. He spent countless hours improving his ball-handling under duress, working against double-teams and simulating physical contact to prepare for postseason intensity.​

    One major leap is his patience as a playmaker—Edwards worked on reading defenses out of the pick-and-roll and throwing precise lobs, opening up opportunities for his teammates, especially bigs like Rudy Gobert. Another area: defensive consistency. Edwards set routines to become a steady two-way threat, intent on using his physical gifts not just for highlight plays but for reliable stops. The young Timberwolves star is primed for an elite season, both as an offensive focal point and spiritual leader.​

    Alperen Sengun: Stretching the Floor, Sharpening Defense

    Alperen Sengun spent the summer evolving from a classic low-post big into a modern, multidimensional center. Recognizing that high-level bigs must offer offensive versatility, Sengun dedicated extensive time to improving his shooting range—both mid-range and from deep. His preseason exhibits more confident three-point attempts and a knack for hitting turnaround jumpers.​

    Sengun also invested in refining his ball handling and passing, making him a greater connector in Houston’s offense. His focus on conditioning paid off defensively, allowing him longer stints on the floor and improved mobility in pick-and-roll coverage. Free-throw shooting is another breakthrough; Sengun’s improvement at the stripe should boost both his scoring and late-game reliability.​

    Now, he is much harder to match up with on both ends, able to draw big defenders out of the paint and help Houston’s dynamic perimeter core flourish.​

    These four rising stars have pushed themselves to the edge over the summer, returning as the vanguard of the NBA’s new era. Their rigorous development, sharpened skills, and growing leadership make them must-watch figures, promising to redefine both their teams and the league’s hierarchy in 2025–26. But they are not alone. While Giannis stays static, the league moves on. Maybe hold those “MVP” chants for a minute…

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

    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.

  • Analyzing the Top Defenders on Giannis: A 2024-25 Season Breakdown

    Analyzing the Top Defenders on Giannis: A 2024-25 Season Breakdown

    The following analysis dives into the top 15 players who guarded him the most during the 2024-25 season, based on possessions defended (Poss). These stats reflect Giannis’s performance when primarily defended by each player, per 75 possessions. Effective defense is indicated by lower points (PTS), assists

    (AST), TS%, and FTA (suggesting fewer drives and fouls drawn), alongside higher turnovers (TOV). Kudos for the idea to these guys:

    We’ll rank them by possessions faced (descending order, as in the provided table) for reliability—higher sample sizes reduce noise. For each player, I’ll cover their background, defensive style, and how the stats stack up against Giannis’s averages. Data sourced from NBA advanced tracking, highlighting individual matchups.

    Here’s the full table for reference:

    #OpponentPossPTSASTTOVTS%FTA
    1Bam Adebayo13024.28.12.958.7%2.3
    2Pascal Siakam13027.17.54.067.6%2.3
    3Wendell Carter Jr.11321.95.34.047.8%5.3
    4Al Horford11329.34.70.046.2%4.0
    5Jalen Duren10532.211.43.657.9%7.9
    6Jarrett Allen10436.77.22.257.7%3.6
    7Onyeka Okongwu9721.08.53.147.9%10.9
    8OG Anunoby8618.24.31.740.3%6.1
    9Nic Claxton8132.67.52.856.5%8.4
    10Grant Williams7929.412.31.950.9%0.9
    11Adem Bona7229.012.41.062.8%12.4
    12Jalen Johnson7020.54.32.269.0%4.3
    13Scottie Barnes6919.55.47.668.2%5.4
    14Dorian Finney-Smith5927.96.33.875.1%7.6
    15Jaren Jackson Jr.5810.46.52.640.5%2.6

    Now, let’s break down each defender.

    1. Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)

    Bam Adebayo, a 6’9″ center with guard-like agility, has earned multiple All-Defensive honors for his switchability and rim protection. He’s known for his quick feet, strong hands, and ability to body up bigger players without fouling. Against Giannis, whom he’s faced in heated playoff series, Bam’s versatility shines.

    In 130 possessions—the highest in our sample—Giannis posted 24.2 PTS (well below his 31.9 baseline), a solid 58.7% TS (down from 62.5%), and just 2.3 FTA (a massive drop from 11.2). This suggests Bam excels at contesting drives without sending Giannis to the line. However, Giannis racked up 8.1 AST (above average), indicating he often passed out of double-teams or mismatches created by Bam’s help defense. TOV at 2.9 is slightly below baseline, showing Giannis maintained control. Overall, Bam’s one of the elite Giannis-stoppers, limiting efficiency while forcing playmaking.

    2. Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)

    Pascal Siakam, a 6’8″ forward with championship pedigree from Toronto, brings length, speed, and post defense to the table. His wiry strength and quickness allow him to mirror Giannis’s Euro-steps and spins, though he’s occasionally overpowered in the paint.

    Tied for the most possessions at 130, Siakam held Giannis to 27.1 PTS (still under baseline) but allowed a scorching 67.6% TS—higher than Giannis’s average, pointing to efficient scoring opportunities. AST at 7.5 is slightly up, TOV at 4.0 is above average (good for defense), and FTA again low at 2.3. Siakam’s defense seems to funnel Giannis into tough shots or passes, but the high TS% suggests Giannis found ways to convert. Solid effort, but room for improvement in contesting without concessions.

    3. Wendell Carter Jr. (Orlando Magic)

    Wendell Carter Jr., a 6’10” big man with solid fundamentals, anchors Orlando’s defense with drop coverage and rebounding. He’s not the quickest, but his size helps clog the lane against drivers like Giannis.

    Over 113 possessions, Carter limited Giannis to 21.9 PTS (excellent, far below baseline) and a dismal 47.8% TS (way down). TOV at 4.0 is elevated, AST at 5.3 is low, but FTA at 5.3 is moderate. This profile screams effective paint protection—Giannis struggled to finish efficiently, turning the ball over more while creating fewer assists. Carter’s traditional big-man defense appears tailor-made for slowing Giannis’s interior dominance.

    4. Al Horford (Boston Celtics)

    At 39, Al Horford remains a savvy veteran for the Celtics, using positioning and anticipation over athleticism. His experience in playoff battles against Giannis (including Boston’s 2022 series win) makes him a cerebral defender.

    In 113 possessions, Giannis scored 29.3 PTS (near baseline) but on a poor 46.2% TS—Horford’s spacing and help rotations likely forced tough shots. AST dropped to 4.7 (great), FTA to 4.0 (low), but shockingly, TOV at 0.0 means Giannis was ultra-careful. Horford’s defense emphasizes team schemes over individual stops, effectively capping efficiency despite solid scoring volume.

    5. Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)

    Young and athletic at 6’10”, Jalen Duren is an emerging rim protector for the rebuilding Pistons, relying on explosiveness to challenge shots.

    Across 105 possessions, Giannis exploded for 32.2 PTS (above baseline), 11.4 AST (way up), and 57.9% TS (down slightly). TOV at 3.6 is average, FTA at 7.9 moderate. Duren’s youth shows—Giannis feasted in playmaking and scoring, perhaps overwhelming Duren with speed and power. Promising tools, but not yet refined against elite talent.

    6. Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers)

    Jarrett Allen, a 6’11” shot-blocker with the Cavs, uses length and timing to deter drivers. He’s a classic paint patroller.

    In 104 possessions, Giannis torched him for 36.7 PTS (high), 7.2 AST, and 57.7% TS on low 3.6 FTA. TOV at 2.2 is low. Allen’s drop coverage might leave gaps for Giannis’s drives, leading to inefficient but voluminous scoring. Needs more physicality to disrupt.

    7. Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta Hawks)

    Onyeka Okongwu, a 6’8″ energetic big off Atlanta’s bench, brings hustle and mobility, often switching onto wings.

    Over 97 possessions, he held Giannis to 21.0 PTS (strong) and 47.9% TS (excellent), with 8.5 AST up but TOV at 3.1 average. FTA high at 10.9—Okongwu might foul too much. His aggression pays off in limiting points but invites freebies.

    8. OG Anunoby (New York Knicks)

    OG Anunoby, a 6’7″ lockdown wing for the Knicks, is renowned for his strength, length, and on-ball tenacity. He’s often tasked with star-stopping duties.

    In 86 possessions, Anunoby shone: 18.2 PTS (elite low), 40.3% TS (abysmal for Giannis), 4.3 AST down, TOV 1.7 low, FTA 6.1 moderate. This screams suffocating defense—Anunoby’s physicality disrupts Giannis’s rhythm, forcing inefficiency. One of the best individual efforts here.

    9. Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)

    Nic Claxton, a 6’11” switchable big for the Nets, uses length and agility to protect the rim and perimeter.

    Over 81 possessions, Giannis scored 32.6 PTS (high) on 56.5% TS (down), with 7.5 AST up, TOV 2.8 low, FTA 8.4. Claxton’s versatility helps contest, but Giannis’s power overwhelms, leading to solid but not elite containment.

    10. Grant Williams (Charlotte Hornets)

    Grant Williams, a 6’6″ sturdy forward now with the Hornets, is a pesky defender who uses strength and trash-talk to irritate.

    In 79 possessions, Giannis hit 29.4 PTS on 50.9% TS (down), but 12.3 AST skyrocketed—Williams might force passes. TOV 1.9 low, FTA tiny 0.9. Good at avoiding fouls, but playmaking spikes hurt.

    11. Adem Bona (Philadelphia 76ers)

    Rookie Adem Bona, a 6’10” athletic big drafted by Philly, brings raw energy and shot-blocking from his UCLA days.

    Over 72 possessions, Giannis posted 29.0 PTS, 62.8% TS (near average), 12.4 AST (high), TOV just 1.0 (bad for defense), FTA 12.4 (high). Bona’s inexperience shows—Giannis exploits with passes and free throws, though scoring is contained somewhat.

    12. Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)

    Jalen Johnson, a 6’9″ athletic forward for the Hawks, has breakout potential with his leaping and versatility.

    In 70 possessions, he limited Giannis to 20.5 PTS (great) on 69.0% TS (high), 4.3 AST down, TOV 2.2 low, FTA 4.3. Johnson’s speed helps, but the TS% suggests Giannis got quality looks when scoring.

    13. Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)

    Scottie Barnes, a 6’7″ do-it-all forward for Toronto, uses length and IQ to defend multiple positions.

    Over 69 possessions, Barnes forced 19.5 PTS (low), but 68.2% TS (high), 5.4 AST down, and a whopping 7.6 TOV (excellent). FTA 5.4. Barnes’s disruption shines in turnovers, making him a turnover machine against Giannis despite efficiency allowed.

    14. Dorian Finney-Smith (Brooklyn Nets)

    Dorian Finney-Smith, a 6’7″ 3-and-D wing for the Nets, brings toughness and spacing defense.

    In 59 possessions (smaller sample), Giannis scored 27.9 PTS on sky-high 75.1% TS, 6.3 AST, 3.8 TOV up, FTA 7.6. Finney-Smith struggles with Giannis’s power, leading to efficient scoring—noise from low possessions, but not ideal.

    15. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)

    Jaren Jackson Jr., a 6’10” Defensive Player of the Year candidate for Memphis, excels in blocking and switching.

    Over 58 possessions (smallest sample), he dominated: 10.4 PTS (insanely low), 40.5% TS, 6.5 AST, TOV 2.6, FTA 2.6. JJJ’s length and timing erase Giannis—elite when matched up, though sample size caveats apply.

    Final Thoughts

    Defending Giannis requires a mix of size, speed, and scheme. Standouts like OG Anunoby, Bam Adebayo, and Jaren Jackson Jr. show how physicality and anticipation can limit him, while others like Jarrett Allen highlight vulnerabilities. Higher-possession matchups (e.g., Bam, Siakam) offer more reliable insights, but even smaller samples reveal trends. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, watch how these defenders evolve against the Greek Freak. Giannis is clearly not improving, things will only get worse for him.

  • Reasons People Dislike Giannis Antetokounmpo – On and Off the Court

    Reasons People Dislike Giannis Antetokounmpo – On and Off the Court

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is a polarizing figure in the NBA, admired for his work ethic and humility but also criticized for multiple reasons both on and off the court. Dislike often stems from a mixture of his playing style, incidents involving opponents, his public persona, and perceptions of his behavior.

    On-Court Reasons for Dislike

    1. Physical and Aggressive Playing Style

    Many critics argue that Giannis’ dominance relies more on brute athleticism than skill, with players and fans perceiving his approach as “bulldozing,” lacking finesse, or being unrefined. This has led to accusations of being “boring” or taking the “easy route” by overpowering defenders rather than out-skilling them. Very often this is offensice fouls he all too often gets away with. It is also boring to watch as he has an extremely limited set of ways to score. Especially his dunks are very predictably the same ol same ol all the time.

    2. Dirty or Reckless Plays

    There have been notable incidents—like undercutting shooters, hard fouls, or physical altercations—that have led to accusations of recklessness or even dirty play. Though some former players defend him as not intentionally dirty, the reputation persists due to repeated aggressive incidents against opponents such as Jayson Tatum and driving plays that result in injuries. His physical dominance sometimes leads to others getting hurt, which is sometimes considered dangerous if not outright unsportsmanlike by fans and media.

    3. Unsportsmanlike or Childish Antics

    Opponents and commentators have called out Giannis for gestures like faking a handshake after a hard foul or reactively escalating situations in the heat of the game. Jaylen Brown, for example, labeled Giannis “a child” for such antics after receiving an elbow and being on the receiving end of a pulled-back handshake.​

    4. Clutch Performance and Playoff Disappointments

    Despite his MVPs and championship, critics have pointed to specific playoff failures, perceived shortcomings in leadership, and offensive limitations (like shooting and free throws) as reasons to question his greatness and underachiever labels. When his teams falter, detractors highlight his inability to adapt or “raise his game,” fueling negative discussion.

    ​

    Off-Court Reasons for Dislike

    1. Incidents with Teammates and Staff

    There have been viral incidents of Giannis slapping or berating teammates, such as the recent episode with Greek teammate Giannoulis Larentzakis during a team huddle. While some dismiss this as passionate leadership or even cultural banter, others see it as lacking respect or unnecessarily aggressive. We get it, he is annoyed that the league knows how to shut him down when it counts.

    2. Locker Room Behavior and Internal Frustration

    Reports and viral clips have surfaced of locker room outbursts, confrontational meetings, and visible frustration taken out on teammates, which can be interpreted as poor leadership or lack of composure under pressure.

    3. Media Relationships and Perceived Arrogance

    Episodes of walking out on reporters following tough losses or being selective about his communication have led to friction and media-driven narratives about him being inaccessible or having a chip on his shoulder. Worse still he often plays the “I was so poor” story when he has no real answer to basketball related questions. ​

    4. Xenophobia and Outsider Status

    A distinct stream of criticism from both fans and some players arises from his international roots. Some commentators and NBA insiders bluntly say part of the negativity is due to Giannis being a “foreigner,” lacking the typical “American swag,” or not coming up through U.S. basketball circuits—prompting feelings that he’s “not one of us”. This bias is echoed in NBA locker rooms and the media. Most importantly he seems totally hypocritical claiming he “feels Nigerian” the one minute, then “Greek at heart” the next and then “my home is in Milwaukee” just a second later.​

    5. Viral “Disrespect” Incidents

    On and off the court, Giannis has had confrontations with other players’ families (e.g., a notable incident with Tyrese Haliburton’s father postgame) , or the ball game indicent and opposing staff (the “ladder incident” in Philadelphia) where his reactions have been called unprofessional or unduly emotional.​ And he is ultra hypocritical about his kids of course.

    Summary Table: Main Reasons for Dislike

    TypeExamples & IncidentsThemes
    On-CourtAggressive/dirty plays, taunting, playoff failuresStyle over skill, sportsmanship, immaturity
    Off-CourtLocker room conflicts, disrespectful gestures, slapsPoor leadership, disrespect, bad teammate
    MediaWalkouts, introversion, handling tough questionsArrogance, unapproachable, negative narratives
    CulturalNot American, foreign roots, outsider perspectiveXenophobia, lack of U.S. basketball pedigree

    Additional Notes

    • Jealousy and Resentment: Some dislike may ultimately be rooted in jealousy, as Giannis’ physical gifts and meteoric rise are seen as “unfair” by former greats or less gifted players. It does seem like he has been over hyped and under delivered. ​
    • Weirdness: He does not seem to want to fit in. He doesn’t train with other players, he makes weird Dad jokes, pretty infantile, he makes people uncomfortable very often with his approach.
    • Pathetic mistakes. He leads the league in palming and other such infantile things. Even if he gets away with a lot, he still tops categories no pro should be in, let alone a supposed MVP candidate.
    • Stat padding: It is hard not to see a lot of what he does as putting his personal stats above everything. And then blaming the rest of the roster.
    • Ungrateful. The ultimate snub, after Khris, Jrue and Brook got him to the Finals he kept saying he “did it the right way” implying he was the only star on the team. But the stat padding is legit.
    • Nepotism. Both Thanasis and now Alex have no place on an NBA bench. If an adult 30 year NBA player wants them as cheerleaders he should ask the Bucks to hire them as such, not take up a valuable team place.
    • Excuses excuses. He has been in the league 13 years now and still falls back on the same excuses when he fails. Sad that his fans still think “if only he improves X Y Z this season” even now. And his “no failure in sports” speech was the most disrespectful ever.
    • Sneaky manipulation of trades, whilst all along pretending he knows nothing. We now know for sure that he dictates terms pretty clearly. Coaches, players, trades are all signed off by him but then he plays the innocent ignoramus. And a question about how he gets all star votes lingers too.
    • Annual trade mill that Giannis instigates and then acts like he knows nothing. No other super star wants to play with him of course. They know it’s all hype.

    The above points encapsulate the primary criticisms and negative perceptions that have emerged around him.​

    1. https://foxsportsradio.iheart.com/content/2022-09-01-the-real-reason-why-nba-players-constantly-hate-on-giannis-antetokounmpo/
    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtleYOSFS1o
    3. https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-i-dont-think-giannis-antetokounmpo-is-a-dirty-player-jeff-teague-reacts-to-jaylen-brown-altercation-with-bucks-star/
    4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBy4KE7IFbg
    5. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/11m2da2/regarding_the_discourse_around_giannis/
    6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIeGfpTE_Rc
    7. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/hardfoul/episodes/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-is-Dirty-Player-e2s5lt5
    8. https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-dirty-giannis-antetokounmpo-gets-called-out-for-his-behavior-against-jaylen-brown-by-lou-williams/
    9. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/12b5hbj/does_giannis_deserve_more_credit_for_the_success/
    10. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nba/should-be-fined-giannis-antetokounmpo-sparks-outrage-after-aggressive-move-on-greek-national-teammate/
    11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpKCGUzZJk4
    12. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-frustrated-giannis-antetokounmpo-issues-strong-message-to-locker-room-as-cavs-loss-exposes-concerning-bucks-issues/
    13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B4kIVHbbsc
    14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BliwOGTxAv8
    15. https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/milwaukee-bucks/2024/11/10/6730ac0b46163fb1658b4582.html
    16. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-havent-washed-my-btt-locker-room-privacy-concerns-revived-by-giannis-antetokounmpo-in-frustrating-revelation-malika-andrews/
    17. https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-giannis-doesnt-talk-to-the-media-giannis-antetokounmpo-opens-up-about-being-inaccessible-using-honeymoon-incident/
    18. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2022/10/01/bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-says-hes-not-losing-sleep-over-criticism/8155329001/
    19. https://www.reddit.com/r/MkeBucks/comments/xuedhm/giannis_antetokounmpo_says_hes_not_losing_sleep/
    20. https://www.si.com/nba/bucks/news/former-nba-player-defends-giannis-antetokounmpo-amidst-ladder-incident
    21. https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/30/sport/giannis-antetokounmpo-haliburton-bucks-pacers-game-5-spt
    22. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/what-happened-between-giannis-antetokounmpo-and-tyrese-haliburtons-father-milwaukee-bucks-vs-indiana-pacers-courtside-confrontation-explained/articleshow/120748924.cms
    23. https://www.reddit.com/r/MkeBucks/comments/1h0f91j/why_is_giannis_the_only_target_of_media/
    24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwBHOi7hOhU
    25. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/giannis-antetokounmpo-reportedly-disrespected-in-nba-rankings-despite-dominant-season/articleshow/123834040.cms
    26. https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/milwaukee_bucks_former_giannis_antetokounmpo_teammate_accuses_media_of_creating_trade_narrative/s1_17009_42870084
    27. https://www.si.com/nba/bucks/off-the-court/giannis-antetokounmpo-shares-how-god-keeps-him-humble
    28. https://www.reddit.com/r/MkeBucks/comments/q1k2rw/why_do_people_hate_giannis/
    29. https://www.facebook.com/controversychronicles/videos/5-most-savage-off-court-moments-of-giannis-antetokounmpo-/465340055517837/
    30. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bostcelt/posts/2258073037940497/
    31. https://www.reddit.com/r/MkeBucks/comments/1at0e22/whats_up_with_the_general_nba_fansmedia_giannis/
    32. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1kb5zv9/highlight_giannis_antetokounmpo_on_the/
    33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LSta5L2eNQ
    34. https://behindthebuckpass.com/lingering-giannis-antetokounmpo-controversy-answer
    35. https://basketnews.com/news-231790-giannis-opens-up-on-european-return-responds-to-viral-slap-controversy.html
    36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktrwC47E7pQ
    37. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/SB-Blogs/SBJ-Unpacks/2024/01/16/
    38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogt4sNEc_1M
    39. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/tyrese-haliburtons-dad-facing-backlash-055352805.html
    40. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073883926129889/posts/2500927923425475/
    41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rycBgps6e9Q
    42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZJy5sRxDAw
    43. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1gn8ywr/giannis_to_someone_off_camera_in_the_bucks_locker/
    44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLpS1bVgDus
    45. https://lastwordonsports.com/basketball/2024/12/13/nba-media-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo/
    46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NWCga5A1M8
    47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtsA7Gf8E7o
    48. https://www.facebook.com/SportsHighlightsChannel/posts/hot-according-to-a-highly-reliable-source-inside-the-bucks-locker-room-the-greek/543897208492593/
    49. https://www.tiktok.com/@bleacherreport/video/7435296701503638815
    50. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/01/1173137368/giannis-antetokounmpo-reporter-milwaukee-bucks-nba-playoffs
    51. https://basketnews.com/news-231529-giannis-antetokounmpo-issues-public-apology-after-controversial-live-comment.html
    52. https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/breaking-news/article/giannis-antetokounmpo-not-in-attendance-at-media-day-because-of-covid-but-addresses-talk-about-his-bucks-future-174154952.html
    53. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/giannis-antetokounmpos-bucks-teammate-reacts-054725834.html
    54. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/giannis-antetokounmpo-loves-greek-freak-nickname-unsure-origin/story?id=70817070
    55. https://www.sportbible.com/nba/lebron-james-basketball-steph-curry-giannis-antetokounmpo-jefferson-397141-20251006
    56. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/aqfng8/giannis_im_not_trying_to_sound_arrogant_and_cocky/
    57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFTRJRcLHUc
    58. https://au.sports.yahoo.com/backlash-against-rousey-unwarranted-231922524.html
    59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPN2A6i6E_U
    60. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/1064899/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-Brooklyn-Nets-NBA-news

  • Giannis’ Scoring Record Over the Last 3 Seasons Is Overrated

    Giannis’ Scoring Record Over the Last 3 Seasons Is Overrated

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak,” has been a dominant force in the NBA for years. Over the last three regular seasons (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25), he’s averaged around 30.6 points per game (PPG), putting him among the league’s elite scorers. Fans and analysts often hail this as proof of his all-time greatness, with back-to-back-to-back 30+ PPG campaigns. But let’s pump the brakes. While the raw numbers look impressive, a deeper dive reveals that Giannis’ scoring is overrated. It’s padded by factors like excessive free-throw attempts, limited shooting range, and efficiency that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny—especially when compared to other top scorers or in high-stakes playoff scenarios. Don’t get me wrong: Giannis is a superstar. But treating his PPG as untouchable overlooks some glaring flaws.

    1. Overreliance on Free Throws: Volume Over Efficiency

    One of the biggest knocks on Giannis’ scoring is how much it depends on getting to the free-throw line. Over the last three seasons, he’s averaged a whopping 11.2 free-throw attempts (FTA) per game—leading the league in that category. That’s more than players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Luka Dončić, who also drive a lot but incorporate more perimeter scoring.

    Sure, drawing fouls is a skill, and Giannis’ physicality makes him a nightmare for defenders. But here’s the issue: his free-throw percentage (FT%) has been mediocre at best, hovering around 64% across these seasons (64.5% in 2022-23, 65.7% in 2023-24, and 61.7% in 2024-25). That’s well below the league average for high-volume scorers, who often shoot 80-90% from the line. As a result, he’s leaving points on the table—points that could make his scoring look even more dominant if he converted at a higher rate.

    This foul-baiting style inflates his PPG without requiring the same level of skill diversity as other scorers. For context, in 2022-23 alone, nearly 40% of his points came from free throws, thanks to those 12.3 attempts per game. Critics argue this makes his scoring “predictable and biased” by officiating, as seen in games where refs swallow their whistles, and his output drops. Without this crutch, his averages might dip closer to 25-27 PPG, putting him in good-but-not-great territory.

    2. Limited Shooting Range: Great at the Rim, But That’s It

    Giannis is arguably the best finisher at the rim in NBA history, with field-goal percentages (FG%) north of 55-61% in these seasons. His euro-steps and dunks are highlight-reel stuff. But step back a few feet, and the story changes. His three-point shooting (3P%) has been abysmal: 27.5% in 2022-23, 27.4% in 2023-24, and a career-low 22.2% in 2024-25. He attempts fewer than 2 threes per game on average, meaning defenses can sag off him and clog the paint without fear.

    This lack of versatility means his scoring is “overrated away from the rim,” as one analysis put it. Compare that to players like Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry, who can score from anywhere, forcing defenses to respect their entire game. Giannis’ approach works in the regular season when teams aren’t scheming as intensely, but it limits his ceiling as a “complete” scorer. In an era where spacing and shooting rule, relying almost exclusively on drives feels outdated—and overrated when propped up by sheer athleticism rather than skill.

    3. Efficiency Metrics Don’t Stack Up to Peers

    True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is a gold-standard metric for scoring efficiency, accounting for field goals, threes, and free throws. Giannis’ TS% over the last three seasons averages about 62.6% (60.5% in 2022-23, 64.9% in 2023-24, 62.5% in 2024-25). That’s solid for a big man, but for someone averaging 30+ PPG, it’s not elite. High-volume scorers like Nikola Jokić or Joel Embiid often post TS% in the 65-70% range while matching or exceeding his points.

    In comparisons of top scorers over the last three seasons, Giannis ranks outside the top tier in relative TS% (adjusted for league average). For instance, players like Curry or Durant have historically been +5-10% above league average on similar volume, while Giannis hovers around +2-4%. His low FT% drags this down—imagine if he shot 80% from the line; his TS% could jump to 68-70%, making his scoring truly unstoppable. As it stands, the metric reveals inefficiency masked by volume.

    Some argue TS% “downplays” Giannis because of his high FTA, but that’s the point: efficiency includes making those shots. He’s getting more opportunities than most, yet not capitalizing fully.

    4. Playoff Drops: Regular-Season Hero, Postseason Question Marks

    The regular season is one thing, but championships are won in the playoffs—and that’s where Giannis’ scoring often falters. Over the last three years, he’s averaged 29.4 PPG in the postseason, but across only 8 games due to injuries (missing the entire 2023-24 playoffs). More telling is the efficiency drop: In the 2022-23 playoffs, his TS% plummeted to 52.5% from 60.5% in the regular season, with FT% at a dismal 45.2%.

    Defenses wall up the paint in the playoffs, exposing his lack of outside shooting. As one Reddit discussion noted, people overhype his playoff scoring by focusing on raw points while ignoring “significant drops in efficiency.” Even in his strong 2024-25 playoff showing (33.0 PPG, TS% 65.1%), turnovers spiked to 4.6 per game, showing vulnerability under pressure. This inconsistency suggests his regular-season PPG is boosted by a less intense environment, making it overrated as a measure of true scoring prowess.

    5. Contextual Factors: Games Played and Team Support

    Finally, let’s talk durability and context. Giannis played only 63 games in 2022-23 and 67 in 2024-25—missing significant time due to injuries. While his per-game averages hold up, sustaining that over a full 82-game slate is another story. Other top scorers like LeBron James or Kevin Durant have logged more minutes while maintaining efficiency.

    The Bucks’ system also plays a role. With shooters like Damian Lillard drawing attention, Giannis benefits from open lanes. But when the team struggles (as in recent playoff exits), his scoring doesn’t elevate them enough. Critics have called his overall impact “overrated,” pointing to underachievement in key moments. Even in the regular season against better opponents Giannis seems unable to make a difference.

    Impressive, But Not Untouchable

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 30+ PPG over the last three seasons is a testament to his talent and work ethic. But it’s overrated because it relies too heavily on free throws, lacks range, and doesn’t translate as efficiently in playoffs or against top defenses. If he improves his FT% and adds a reliable jumper, he could silence the doubters. Until then, let’s appreciate the numbers for what they are: great, but not the full story of elite scoring.

  • The Lingering Shadows of a Late Start: Giannis

    The Lingering Shadows of a Late Start: Giannis

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, even after over a decade in the league has certain aspects of his game stubbornly underdeveloped. These weaknesses—ranging from inconsistent shooting to poor screening and defensive lapses—can be traced back to his unconventional entry into basketball. Unlike many NBA stars who honed their skills from childhood, Giannis didn’t start playing organized basketball until he was around 13 years old, first touching a basketball at that age and beginning professional play in Greece at 16. This late start meant he missed out on years of foundational training, where muscle memory for technical skills like shooting form, screen-setting technique, and quick decision-making is typically built. Instead, Giannis has relied heavily on his extraordinary physical gifts—length, speed, and power—to compensate, but these gaps persist, affecting both his individual performance and the Milwaukee Bucks’ team dynamics.

    Struggles at the Charity Stripe and Beyond: The Shooting Woes

    One of the most glaring and persistent issues in Giannis’ arsenal is his shooting, particularly from the free-throw line and long range. Despite years of practice and tweaks to his routine, his career free-throw percentage hovers at a mediocre 69.3%, dipping to 61.7% in recent seasons. This isn’t just a minor flaw; it’s a strategic vulnerability that opponents exploit, especially in playoffs, by fouling him intentionally to disrupt drives and force him to the line. Insiders have pointed out that if Giannis could convert at a higher rate—given he leads the league in free-throw attempts—he’d likely have more MVP trophies, as it would naturally boost his scoring average without additional shots.

    Beyond free throws, his overall shooting profile reveals deficiencies. He’s historically struggled with three-pointers and mid-range shots, posting some of the lowest field-goal percentages in the league in these areas during playoffs. While recent developments show improvement in mid-range efficiency (hitting 54.5% over stretches and ranking second league-wide in certain periods), his form lacks the fluidity of players who drilled jumpers from a young age. And of course he has no mid range when it matters in the playoffs or harder regular season games. This ties directly to his late start: Shooting is a skill rooted in repetition and mechanics developed early. Without that foundation, Giannis’ attempts often look mechanical or forced, relying on power rather than touch. In half-court sets, defenses sag off him, daring him to shoot, which clogs driving lanes and limits his effectiveness as a playmaker.

    The Art of the Pick: Why Giannis Can’t Set Effective Screens

    Screen-setting might seem like a basic team skill, but for Giannis, it’s a glaring weakness that hampers the Bucks’ offense. Analysts describe his screens as “ghost screens”—half-hearted efforts where he doesn’t establish a solid base, sets them too high, or angles them poorly, allowing defenders to slip through easily. With his massive 7-foot, 253-pound frame, he should be a screening powerhouse, but instead, he often prioritizes rolling to the rim for his own scoring opportunities, leading to shoddy execution. Statistically, this shows: He averages just over two screen assists per game, generating only five points, and the Bucks rank near the bottom in off-screen efficiency at 0.5 points per possession.

    This flaw is particularly damaging in pick-and-roll heavy schemes with stars like Damian Lillard, where effective screens create space for pull-ups or drives. Without them, the offense stagnates, forcing isolation plays. Again, the late start explains this: Screening requires precise footwork, body positioning, and timing—fundamentals drilled in youth leagues. Giannis, who jumped straight into high-level play without that base, treats it as an afterthought, leaning on his athleticism to dominate individually rather than synergize with teammates.

    Giannis’ screening IQ is obviously something that can’t magically appear. He doesn’t understand angles at the most fundamental level. He also doesn’t understand

    Defensive Reactions: Elite Talent with Occasional Lapses

    Giannis is a defensive monster—his length and instincts earned him DPOY honors—but he isn’t flawless. Critics note he struggles with quick reactions in certain scenarios, like chasing guards around screens or maintaining off-ball awareness. He can “fall asleep” off the ball, failing to rotate promptly or box out, which leads to easy rebounds or cuts for opponents. While his help defense is elite, perimeter switching exposes slower lateral quickness against shifty guards, and his reactions in complex schemes can lag.

    This isn’t about effort but ingrained habits. Starting basketball late meant less exposure to defensive drills that build anticipation and reaction speed. Players like Kawhi Leonard or Draymond Green, who started young, have that intuitive read-and-react ability honed over years. For Giannis, defense is more reactive to his physical tools than proactive fundamentals, making him vulnerable in playoff matchups where teams scheme to isolate these gaps.

    Passing and Decision-Making: The Half-Court Hurdles

    Giannis’ passing is another area where limitations shine through. While he averages solid assists, he’s not a “great passer,” as opponents like Alperen Sengun have exploited by collapsing the paint and forcing him into tough decisions. In half-court sets, he struggles with quick reads, often over-dribbling (sometimes for 14 seconds) or opting for isolation shots instead of hitting open teammates. This contributes to the Bucks’ low rankings in passes and assists, turning a potential juggernaut into a predictable unit.

    Tied to his late start, decision-making under pressure requires basketball IQ built from countless reps in varied scenarios. Without early immersion, Giannis defaults to his strengths—driving or pulling up—rather than orchestrating like a true point forward.

    Ball-Handling, Counter Moves, and Other Bad Habits

    Giannis’ handle lacks creativity, making him predictable when trapped. He

    doesn’t have a wide array of counter moves, often resorting to the same Euro-step or spin without variation. Bad habits compound this: fascination with inefficient isolation mid-rangers or dribble-up threes, poor off-ball movement, and inconsistent boxing out. These stem from relying on physical dominance rather than refined skills, a byproduct of skipping foundational years.

    The Cost of a Late Bloom and Paths Forward

    Giannis’ weaknesses aren’t from lack of effort—he’s worked tirelessly to improve. But starting at 13 meant building a skyscraper on a shallow foundation; the cracks show in technical areas requiring early muscle memory. For the Bucks to contend, Giannis must evolve beyond isolation heroics, embracing team play like better screens and quicker passes. At 30, there’s still time, but these lingering issues remind us: Even freaks of nature have human origins.

  • How many top100 nba players have done worse than giannis in the playoffs?

    How many top100 nba players have done worse than giannis in the playoffs?

    While Giannis Antetokounmpo has indeed struggled with consistent playoff success, with six first-round exits in his ten playoff appearances (60% first-round exit rate) , a few more top 100 NBA players of all time have actually had worse or comparable playoff failures relative to their talent and expectations.

    Karl Malone – Often ranked in the top 15-20 all-time

    Karl Malone holds the unfortunate record for most playoff games (193) without winning a championship. Despite being a two-time MVP and reaching two Finals, he suffered multiple devastating losses:

    • Lost both Finals appearances to Michael Jordan’s Bulls (1997, 1998)
    • Had significant playoff efficiency drops compared to regular season performance
    • His transition-heavy style was less effective against disciplined playoff defenses

    Charles Barkley – Universally considered top 20-25 all-time

    Barkley had a worse playoff series record than Giannis, going 12-13 in playoff series throughout his career :

    • Only one Finals appearance (1993 loss to Bulls)
    • Eight first-round exits, compared to Giannis’s six
    • Career playoff record of 62-61, barely above .500

    Steve Nash – Two-time MVP, often ranked 30-40 all-time

    Nash never reached an NBA Finals despite his elite regular season success :cbc+1

    • Played 120 career playoff games without a championship
    • Series record of 11-12 in the playoffs
    • Multiple devastating playoff exits with Phoenix despite having superior teamsyoutubecbc

    Reggie Miller – Hall of Famer, top 50-75 all-time

    Miller’s playoff record was remarkably similar to current Giannis :

    • Series record of 14-15 in 29 playoff series
    • Eight first-round exits throughout career
    • Only one Finals appearance (2000 loss to Lakers)
    • Played 144 playoff games without winning a championship

    Patrick Ewing – Top 50 player, #1 draft pick with championship expectations

    Despite being the centerpiece of multiple strong Knicks teams, Ewing never won a championship :

    • Went 0-5 against Michael Jordan’s Bulls in playoff matchups
    • 139 career playoff games without a title
    • Known for several crucial playoff failures, including the infamous missed finger-roll

    Players with Similar or Slightly Better Records

    Chris Paul – Top 75 player, “Point God”

    Paul has had numerous devastating playoff collapses :

    • Record holder for most blown 2-0 playoff leads (4)
    • Series record barely above .500 at 72-68 overall
    • Only advanced past the second round twice in 13 playoff appearances
    • Eight first-round exits in his career

    James Harden – Former MVP, top 75 player

    Despite regular season excellence, Harden has underperformed in crucial playoff moments :

    • Multiple playoff collapses, including the infamous 2018 Western Conference Finals
    • Known for poor elimination game performances
    • Only one Finals appearance (2012 with OKC as sixth man)

    Recent Struggles in Context

    Giannis’s recent struggles three consecutive first-round exits from 2023-2025 are concerning. But while Giannis’s six first-round exits in ten appearances represent genuine playoff struggles, at least 5-7 other top 100 players had worse or comparable playoff failures relative to their talent and expectations. Players like Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, Reggie Miller, and Patrick Ewing all had more devastating playoff careers when accounting for their lack of championships and multiple crushing defeats.

    Why Giannis Struggles in the Playoffs: A Comprehensive Analysis

    Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t inherently “bad” in the playoffs—he still puts up impressive individual numbers—but he faces specific, exploitable weaknesses that championship-level teams have learned to target systematically. His playoff struggles stem from a combination of technical limitations, strategic vulnerabilities, and psychological factors that become magnified under postseason pressure.

    The Primary Weaknesses

    Free Throw Shooting: The Fatal Flaw

    Giannis’s most glaring weakness is his free throw shooting, which deteriorates significantly in the playoffs :

    • Career playoff free throw percentage: 62% compared to 69.3% in regular season
    • Recent playoff performance: As low as 57% in some series
    • Strategic impact: Teams deliberately foul him late in games, knowing he’s likely to miss

    His excessively long free throw routine (15-20 seconds per shot) creates mental pressure and allows fans to affect his concentration. The routine lacks fluidity and doesn’t mirror his actual shooting motion, making it essentially “not a basketball act”.

    The “Giannis Wall” Strategy

    Since 2019, teams have deployed a devastating defensive scheme called “The Wall” that has consistently neutralized his dominance :

    How it works:

    • Three defenders collapse on Giannis when he drives, forming a “wall”
    • Two additional defenders stay back to contest his kick-out passes
    • Forces him into difficult shots or turnovers

    Historical success against Giannis:

    • 2019 Raptors: Pioneered the strategy, won series 4-2
    • 2020 Heat: Perfected it, dominated series 4-1
    • 2022 Celtics: Used effectively despite losing 4-3
    • 2023-2025: Multiple teams continue using variations successfully

    Three-Point Shooting Vulnerability

    Teams actively encourage Giannis to shoot three-pointers, knowing it plays away from his strengths :

    • Recent playoff 3PT%: 25-27%, well below league average
    • Strategic exploitation: Defenses sag off him, daring him to shoot
    • Shot selection issues: Takes contested threes instead of driving when teams expect it

    Psychological and Tactical Factors

    Pressure and Decision-Making

    Giannis struggles with decision-making when facing intense playoff pressure :

    • Turnover increase: Higher turnover rate in playoffs, especially against walls
    • Forcing shots: Tends to force drives into set defenses rather than making correct passes
    • Takes it personally: Admits he gets emotional when facing “The Wall” strategy

    Supporting Cast Dependency

    Unlike other superstars, Giannis requires exceptional supporting cast performance to succeed :

    • 2021 championship context: Won with injured opponents (Nets’ Big 3, Lakers’ stars)
    • Recent struggles: When Middleton, Holiday, or Lillard struggle, Bucks lose
    • Role player reliance: Needs shooters to make open shots when he passes out of walls

    Screen Setting Deficiency

    An underrated weakness that affects team offense :

    • Poor technique: Sets “ghost screens” that don’t create real advantages
    • Low efficiency: Only 30th percentile as pick-and-roll roll man
    • Impact on teammates: Limits Damian Lillard’s effectiveness in pick-and-roll

    Why These Weaknesses Are Magnified in Playoffs

    Preparation Time

    Playoff teams have extensive time to study and prepare specific schemes :

    • Regular season success doesn’t translate when teams gameplan specifically for him
    • Coaches like Nick Nurse, Erik Spoelstra excel at exploiting these weaknesses systematically

    Defensive Intensity and Focus

    Playoff defenses are more disciplined and committed to executing complex schemes :

    • Teams willing to sacrifice individual defense to build effective walls
    • Better communication and rotation on defensive schemes
    • More physical play that disrupts his rhythm

    Clutch Moments and Mental Pressure

    High-stakes situations expose his technical limitations :

    • Free throw struggles become magnified in close games
    • Three-point shooting weakness limits late-game options
    • Increased pressure affects decision-making under duress

    The Championship Exception: 2021

    Giannis’s 2021 championship run succeeded because of unique circumstances :

    • Opponent injuries: Brooklyn’s Big 3 were injured, Lakers eliminated early
    • Supporting cast peak: Middleton and Holiday played at their highest level
    • Health: Giannis overcame his own knee injury to deliver historic Finals performance

    Giannis isn’t “bad” in the playoffs—he’s a victim of solvable basketball problems that he hasn’t adequately addressed. His combination of free throw struggles, three-point shooting deficiencies, and vulnerability to sophisticated defensive schemes creates a blueprint that disciplined playoff teams can exploit. Unlike transcendent playoff performers who elevate their games under pressure, Giannis’s technical limitations become more pronounced when facing elite, prepared defenses with months to gameplan specifically for his weaknesses.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Worst NBA Statistical Categories

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Worst NBA Statistical Categories

    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.

  • The Myth of Giannis in Transition

    The Myth of Giannis in Transition

    Fans and analysts alike rave about his ability to turn misses into dunks, grabbing a rebound and barreling down the court for easy buckets. It’s the stuff of legends—YouTube compilations with millions of views, “unstoppable” chants on social media, and endless debates about whether he’s the best fast-break player ever. But let’s pump the brakes. While Giannis is a transition monster in the cushy confines of the regular season—where defences jog back and space is plentiful—the data tells a different story when the lights get brighter. In the playoffs, against elite schemes designed to clog the lane, his transition game crumbles under pressure. High turnover rates, plummeting efficiency, and a reliance on “easier” opportunities reveal a player who’s great at exploiting mismatches in blowouts but struggles to deliver when it counts.

    In this deep dive, we’ll break down the key transition metrics: Points Per Possession (PPP), Frequency of Transition Opportunities, effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%), True Shooting Percentage (TS%), Turnover Rate (TOV%), Assists per Possession, On/Off Plus-Minus, Box Score Impact, and Offensive Rating (ORTG). Using data from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons (regular and playoffs where available), we’ll show how Giannis’s transition dominance is a regular-season mirage. Spoiler: It’s not as freakish as you think.

    The Regular Season Facade: Space, Speed, and Stats

    In the 82-game grind, Giannis thrives in transition. The Bucks ranked top-5 in transition frequency league-wide in 2023-24, and Giannis was the engine, leading the NBA in transition points per game at 7.5 while tying for the most opportunities at 6.1 per game. His PPP? A blistering 1.42—well above the league average of ~1.15 for transition plays. That’s elite territory, turning fast breaks into automatic offence. For sure in the regular season most serious players – with their mind on the playoffs – don’t want to stand in front of him.

    But dig deeper, and even here, cracks show. His eFG% in transition hovered around 78.6% in 2023-24, absurdly high thanks to dunks and layups, but his TS% dipped below 80% when factoring in occasional misses or fouls. Turnover rate? A manageable 12-15%, but it spikes when defences load up. Assists per possession are low (0.25-0.30), meaning he’s mostly iso-dribbling to the rim rather than creating for others—great for highlights, less so for sustainable team play.

    Here’s a snapshot of Giannis’s 2023-24 regular-season transition stats compared to league leaders (via NBA.com and Synergy data):

    MetricGiannis (2023-24 Reg)League Avg (Transition)Top Player (e.g., Ja Morant)
    PPP1.421.151.48
    Frequency (%)18.2% (Bucks’ possessions)14.5%20.1%
    eFG%78.6%65.0%82.0%
    TS%79.2%68.5%83.5%
    TOV%13.8%12.0%10.2%
    AST per Poss0.280.220.35
    ORTG128.5115.0132.0

    Sources: NBA.com Stats, GiveMeSport analysis

    On/Off plus-minus tells the tale: Bucks outscored opponents by +12.5 per 100 possessions in transition with Giannis on the floor, but only +8.2 when off—still good, but the drop-off highlights his outsized role (and risk). Box score impact? He accounts for ~35% of Milwaukee’s transition points, but the team’s overall transition ORTG falls to 122 when he forces contested drives.

    This works against tired, rotating defences in mid-January matinees. But playoffs? That’s where the “easier games” vanish.

    Playoff Reality Check: Clogged Lanes, Cough-Ups, and Collapse

    Enter the postseason, where coaches scheme to deny space. Teams like the Heat (2023) and Pacers (2024) dare Giannis to pass, pack the paint, and force him into traffic. The result? His transition game regresses hard. In 2023 (vs. Miami and Boston), Giannis’s transition PPP dropped to 1.18—below league playoff average—and his frequency plummeted as the Bucks’ break opportunities dried up to 12.5% of possessions.

    Turnovers are the killer. Giannis’s playoff TOV% in transition balloons to 18-20%, nearly double his regular-season mark. Remember Game 4 vs. the Heat in 2023? 6 transition turnovers alone, leading to 12 Miami fast-break points. Career playoff high: 8 TOs in a single game (2019 ECF vs. Toronto). He ranks in the top 25 for playoff TOV per game historically, a damning stat for a “freak” who should glide past defenders.

    Efficiency tanks too. eFG% falls to ~65%, TS% to 62-65%—playoff-average at best. Why? No space means more contested finishes, fewer and-ones. Assists per possession? A measly 0.18, as he refuses to kick out under duress. In 2021 Finals vs. Phoenix, his transition ORTG was a pedestrian 112, with Bucks outscored by 15 in break points during his minutes.

    Compare 2023 playoffs to regular season:

    MetricGiannis (2023 Reg)Giannis (2023 Playoffs)League Playoff Avg
    PPP1.421.181.12
    Frequency (%)18.2%12.8%13.5%
    eFG%78.6%65.2%64.0%
    TS%79.2%63.8%66.5%
    TOV%13.8%19.2%14.0%
    AST per Poss0.280.180.24
    ORTG128.5112.0114.5

    Sources: Basketball-Reference, Reddit NBA analysis

    And when looking at these stats remember that Giannis has had 3 first round exits! His statistics reflect only one series with an easier opponent, not multiple games getting gradually harder as other players’ stats do.

    On/Off plus-minus flips negative: -4.2 per 100 in transition during playoff minutes, per Cleaning the Glass data. Box score impact? He generates just 22% of Bucks’ transition points in playoffs (down from 35%), and the team’s transition ORTG craters to 105—bottom-quartile. In 2024, Giannis missed the entire first-round loss to Indiana due to calf strain, but even without him, Milwaukee’s transition scoring fell 25% from regular-season norms, underscoring his “irreplaceable” role… until defences adapt.

    The “Easier Games” Crutch: Why It Only Works Against Weaker Foes

    The pattern is clear: Giannis feasts on transition against bottom-10 defences (e.g., 2023-24 vs. Wizards, Pistons: 1.55 PPP, 5% TOV%). But against top-5 units like Boston or Miami? PPP dips under 1.20, TOV% over 20%. In “easier” regular-season games (Bucks win by 15+), his transition eFG% hits 82%; in close losses, it’s 58%.

    This isn’t elite adaptability—it’s opportunism. Playoff teams eliminate those “spaces” with disciplined shell defence, forcing Giannis into half-court hero ball where his ORTG drops 10-15 points. His On/Off in high-leverage playoff minutes? -8.5 transition plus-minus, per RAPM estimates. Box score? Fewer transition FGM (down 30%), more TOs feeding opponent runs.

    Time to Recalibrate the Hype

    Giannis in transition is a regular-season weapon, padding stats in open floors against over matched foes that are protecting their best players for the playoffs. But when it counts—playoffs, close games, elite defences—the metrics expose him: subpar PPP, leaky TOV%, middling efficiency, and negative impact. He’s not “bad” outright, but far from the unstoppable force narrative. To win titles, Milwaukee needs him to evolve: better passing in traffic, mid-range threats to open lanes (he’s working on it), or a system beyond “feed the Freak.”

    The data doesn’t lie. Next time you see a transition dunk, ask: Would that fly in May? Probably not.

    Data compiled from NBA.com, Basketball-Reference, Cleaning the Glass, and The Athletic. All stats per 100 possessions unless noted.

  • The Rebounding Illusion: Giannis Antetokounmpo the Bucks Worse on the Boards

    The Rebounding Illusion: Giannis Antetokounmpo the Bucks Worse on the Boards

    In NBA analytics, some stats cut through the hype and reveal uncomfortable truths. The “BEAST ON THE BOARDS” chart illustrates how star big men’s presence impacts their team’s rebound percentages. Players like Steven Adams (+19.1 OREB%, +18.5 TREB%) and Nikola Jokic (+3.1, +6.2) boost their squads, living up to their reputations as rebounding forces. But then there’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, with negative differentials: -3.1 OREB% and -0.2 TREB%. This isn’t a glitch—it’s a pattern that questions the “Greek Freak’s” true impact.

    Giannis posts gaudy individual numbers, averaging double-digit rebounds most seasons, but the team’s rebounding suffers when he’s on the floor. Why? It’s not just about team dynamics; it’s tied to Giannis’ evolving priorities, defensive shortcomings, and a focus on personal stats over team success. Since his 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, his defence has declined, he’s emphasised offence, chased highlights, and padded rebounds—often at the expense of cohesive play. Let’s break it down with data and context.

    Understanding On-Off Rebound Percentages

    Before we dissect Giannis’ case, let’s clarify the stat. Rebound percentage measures the share of available rebounds a team (or player) secures while on the court. It’s more insightful than raw rebounds because it accounts for pace and opportunities—after all, a fast-paced game might have more misses, but the percentage normalizes that.

    • OREB%: The percentage of a team’s own missed shots that they rebound (offensive rebounds / (offensive rebounds + opponent’s defensive rebounds)).
    • TREB%: The overall rebound percentage, combining offensive and defensive boards.

    The “on-off differential” compares the team’s performance in these metrics when a player is on the court versus off. A positive number means the team rebounds better with the player playing; a negative means they rebound better without them.

    Data from sites like Cleaning the Glass shows this isn’t a one-off fluke for Giannis. In the 2021-22 season (which aligns closely with the chart’s numbers, showing -2.8 OREB% on-off), and other years like 2018-19 (-1.2%) and 2020-21 (-1.9%), Giannis posted negative differentials. Yet, in more recent seasons like 2023-24 (+2.6 OREB%) and 2024-25 (+1.8%), it’s flipped positive. So, what’s going on?

    Giannis’ Individual Stats: Impressive, But Inflated?

    Giannis ranks among the league’s top rebounders, but scrutiny reveals issues:

    SeasonRebounds Per Game (RPG)Total Rebound % (TRB%)Defensive Rating (DRtg)Defensive BPM (DBPM)
    2019-2013.621.4%974.1
    2020-2111.018.5%1072.8
    2021-2211.619.2%1063.5
    2022-2311.819.8%1082.7
    2023-2411.518.8%1122.4
    2024-2511.919.5%1092.5

    (Source: Basketball-Reference)

    His RPG and TRB% are solid, but notice the defensive metrics. Post-DPOY (where he posted a league-best 97 DRtg), his DRtg has worsened to 107-112, indicating more points allowed per 100 possessions. DBPM, measuring defensive impact, dropped from 4.1 to as low as 2.4. This decline correlates with negative rebound diffs, as poor defence leads to more opponent makes—and fewer rebound chances.

    The Shift: From Defensive Anchor to Offensive Focus

    Giannis won DPOY in 2019-20 as a versatile defender, using his 7-foot wingspan for help defence and rim protection. But since then, his effort has waned. Analysts note he’s prioritised offence over grinding on D. Bucks’ schemes rely on him as a free safety, but he often chases “highlight reel” plays—spectacular blocks or steals—instead of sticking to plans.

    This individualism disrupts team rebounding. Teammates “clear out” on misses, letting Giannis grab easy defensive boards to pad stats, rather than contesting collectively. A notorious 2023 incident saw him intentionally miss a shot for his own rebound to secure a triple-double, later rescinded by the NBA amid “stat-padding” backlash. Fans and media called it “shameless,” highlighting a pattern where personal milestones trump team efficiency.

    Defensive Shortcomings: Speed, Switching, and Fundamentals

    Giannis’ late start in basketball—he didn’t play organised ball until age 13 in Greece—shows in his reflexes and scheme comprehension. Unlike peers who honed instincts young, he struggles with complex switches in modern pick-and-roll defences. He’s not fast enough laterally to guard perimeter threats, often getting blown by or mispositioned. This leads to breakdowns: Opponents exploit gaps, leading to more makes and fewer Bucks rebounds.

    In high-pace lineups with Giannis, the team leaks out for transitions, but his defensive lapses mean more opponent scores—reducing OREB% opportunities. Bench units, without him, play more structured, grabbing boards at higher rates. Social media discussions echo this: “Giannis was only ever a helpside defender… not much of a rim protector.” His blocks (around 1-1.5/game post-DPOY) are flashy but don’t anchor like Gobert’s.

    Lineup and Opponent Factors: Excuses or Reality?

    Sure, roster changes matter—Brook Lopez’s injuries forced adjustments, and backups like Bobby Portis (16.5% TRB% in 2021-22) feast in non-Giannis minutes. But this masks Giannis’ issues. He faces starters, but his declining DBPM suggests he’s not elevating the unit. Bucks’ overall TREB% (50-52%) is average, but negatives persist because Giannis’ style—offence-first, stat-chasing—trades team rebounding for personal glory.

    He’s in his prime physically but coasting defensively.

    Time for Accountability

    Giannis’ negative on-off rebound diffs aren’t a paradox—they’re a symptom of prioritising offence, highlights, and stats over defence and team play. His late basketball start hampers reflexes in schemes, and rebound “padding” inflates numbers while hurting the Bucks. Milwaukee won in 2021 despite this, but as defences evolve, Giannis must recommit defensively. In 2025-26, under Doc Rivers, watch if he adapts—or if the illusion crumbles further.

  • How Turkey obliterated Giannis. And almost anyone can do the same (when it counts)

    How Turkey obliterated Giannis. And almost anyone can do the same (when it counts)

    The basketball world was buzzing after the EuroBasket 2025 semifinals on September 12, when Turkey pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Greece 82-74 to advance to the finals for the first time in 24 years. At the centre of the drama? None other than Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and perennial NBA Defensive Player of the Year candidate, who was held to a shocking 12 points on 6-of-13 shooting. For a player who is presented as unguardable throughout his career—averaging over 25 points per game in the tournament up to that point—this was a defensive clinic that exposed vulnerabilities in the Greek Freak’s game.

    Turkey, under coach Ergin Ataman, didn’t just defend Giannis; they dissected him with a blend of physicality, teamwork, and tactical precision. This wasn’t a fluke—it was a blueprint that echoes strategies we’ve seen (and debated) in the NBA for years. Three years of early playoff exits, three years of losing even in the regular season against teams that care enough to defend him like this.

    The EuroBasket Breakdown: Turkey’s Defensive Symphony

    Greece entered the semifinal as favourites, largely on Giannis’s reputation. By sheer luck of the bracket however Greece had not faced any serious opponents. Giannis skillfully avoid playing against Nurkic because he knew what would happen. (They lost anyway, Giannis avoided looking foolish though.) The recipe is simple:

    1. Disrupt the Delivery: Pressure the Perimeter

    Turkey’s first line of attack was simple but ruthless: make it hard for Greece to get the ball to Giannis. Guards Sehmus Hazer and Shane Larkin (yes, the ex-Celtics sharpshooter now starring for Anadolu Efes) hounded the inbounders and ball-handlers, using quick hands and relentless pressure to force 12 turnovers in the first half alone. Cedi Osman, the NBA veteran forward, chipped in by switching onto Giannis in open court, denying easy touches and forcing him to receive the ball further from the rim than he prefers.

    This tactic preyed on one of Giannis’s subtler weaknesses: his ball-handling under duress. At 6’11” with a long stride, he’s a transition monster, but Turkey’s transition defence was lockdown—limiting fast breaks and keeping Greece in a half-court grind. As Alperen Sengun later noted in a post-game interview, “We knew if we let him bring the ball up freely, it was over. So we trapped early and often.”

    2. One-on-One Anchor with Help on Demand: Osmani’s Heroics

    Enter Ercan Osmani, Turkey’s 6’10” power forward and the unsung hero of the night. Osmani drew the primary assignment, bodying Giannis in the post and contesting every move with physicality that matched the Freak’s ferocity. But this wasn’t hero-ball defence; it was a relay. Whenever Giannis put the ball on the floor inside the three-point line, the paint collapsed. Sengun, the Houston Rockets’ rising star centre, rotated over as the “wall,” swatting at drives and contesting lobs without leaving his man exposed.

    Shane Larkin summed it up perfectly in a post-game breakdown: “The plan was to collapse whenever he raised that ball to drive. Force the kick-out, then rotate hard on the perimeter. We accepted threes from their guards—guys like [Thomas] Walkup aren’t lights-out shooters.” This “shrink the floor” approach turned Giannis into a passer and like Sengun had said before the game “Giannis is not a great passer.”

    3. Zone and Traps: The Triple-Team Fortress

    When Giannis did touch the ball in his sweet spot—the low block or mid-post—Turkey flipped the script to a hybrid zone. Double-teams (often Osman and Sengun) quickly escalated to triples, with a third defender (frequently Osman circling back or Hazer digging in) forming what one reporter called a “fortress wall.” Passing lanes were clogged, leading to strips and turnovers. Physicality was key: Turkey played with NBA-level bump-and-turn, wearing Giannis down over 35 minutes.

    The result? Giannis, who thrives on momentum and space, looked frustrated—good for just 12 points, 12 rebounds, and those 5 assists. Turkey’s bench erupted after a key sequence in the third quarter where a triple-team forced a kick-out that sailed wide, sealing the momentum shift. It was defense as performance art: collective, adaptive, and unrelenting.

    Why This Works in the NBA: Timeless Principles Meet Pro Pace

    EuroBasket might play at a slower tempo than the NBA’s breakneck speed, but Turkey’s blueprint is straight out of the league’s defensive playbook. Giannis’s dominance—elite athleticism, length, and finishing—makes him a matchup nightmare, but he’s not invincible. His game relies on driving lanes, transition opportunities, and post-ups, all of which can be neutralized with smart team defense. Here’s why Turkey’s tactics aren’t just FIBA-specific:

    The “Wall” Strategy: A Proven NBA Staple

    Coined during the 2021 playoffs when the Heat and Nets tried (and sometimes succeeded) in slowing Giannis, “The Wall” involves funneling him baseline or middle with on-ball pressure, then crowding the paint with help defenders. Turkey executed this to perfection, much like the Miami Heat’s 2020 bubble run, where Bam Adebayo and a rotating cast of bigs forced Giannis into 5+ turnovers per game. In the NBA, where spacing is tighter due to better shooters, teams live with contested threes from role players (e.g., Bucks’ Pat Connaughton) rather than letting Giannis bulldoze to the rim.

    Physicality and Rotations: Exploiting Fatigue

    The NBA’s 82-game grind amplifies Turkey’s physical approach. Giannis averages 34+ minutes per game; constant doubles wear him down, forcing passes that expose slower rotations. Data from the 2024-25 season shows Giannis’s efficiency dips 15% against teams that trap him 20%+ of possessions (per Second Spectrum tracking). Turkey’s zone hybrids mirror what the Warriors used in their March 2025 win over Milwaukee, where Draymond Green orchestrated rotations to limit Giannis to 18 points.

    Transition Denial: The Silent Killer

    FIBA rules limit fast breaks slightly, but the principle holds: Deny outlet passes and force half-court sets. In the NBA, where Giannis scores 40% of his points in transition, teams like the Celtics use length (Tatum, Brown) to mirror this, dropping Milwaukee’s transition efficiency by 12 points per 100 possessions in recent matchups.

    In short, Turkey’s win proves that with discipline, no star is untouchable—especially one whose jumper (still a work in progress at 29.5% from three in 2025) keeps defenses honest but not terrified. After all as I have explained at length and with much statistical proof, Giannis has no mid range when it matters.

    NBA Defenders Who’ve Cracked the Code: A Hall of Fame Lineup

    Over Giannis’s decade in the league, only a select few have consistently turned him mortal. These aren’t just stat-line suppressors; they’re tacticians who force the Bucks to play “away” from their star. Here’s a rundown of the most effective, based on playoff and regular-season matchups (points per possession allowed under 1.00, per NBA Advanced Stats):

    Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) – The Gold Standard

    Bam’s the closest thing to a 1v1 kryptonite. In the 2020 and 2023 playoffs, he held Giannis to 22.4 PPG on 48% shooting, using his lateral quickness to stay in front and strength to absorb contact. Fun fact: Adebayo’s the only defender who’s outscored Giannis in head-to-head minutes while forcing 2.1 turnovers per game. Why it works? Bam funnels him without help, buying time for rotations.

    Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) – The Post Enforcer

    Embiid’s size (7’0″, 280 lbs) and IQ make him a post-up nightmare. In 2023 Eastern Conference Semis, Philly’s scheme with Embiid as the anchor dropped Giannis to 19.8 PPG. He’s physical enough to bang without fouling and mobile enough to recover on drives—key against Giannis’s euro-steps.

    Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors) – The Chaos Conductor

    Green’s not matching Giannis’s athleticism, but his brain is unmatched. In the Warriors’ 104-93 dismantling of the Bucks in March 2025, Draymond guarded him straight-up for 28 minutes, limiting him to 18 points on 7-18 shooting. It’s all about positioning: Green pressures full-court, funnels baseline, and communicates traps like a quarterback. Career vs. Giannis: Holds him under 1.05 PPP.

    Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves) – The Rim Guardian

    Three-time DPOY Gobert’s length (7’9″ wingspan) clogs lanes. In 2024 playoffs, Minnesota’s “Gobert Wall” (with Jaden McDaniels) restricted Giannis to 24 PPG on 52% eFG%. Rudy’s not quick enough for full games, but in drop coverage, he erases lobs and weak-side help.

    P.J. Tucker (Formerly Clippers/Raptors) – The Gritty Veteran

    Tucker’s the ultimate “annoyance” defender. During the 2019 Raptors run, he bodied Giannis into 22.3 PPG on inefficient shots. His low center of gravity and hand-fighting disrupted rhythm—perfect for half-court sets.

    Honorable mentions: Al Horford (Celtics’ zone wizardry in 2022 ECF), Jayson Tatum (versatile switching), and OG Anunoby (Raptors’ length in isolation). Hell, even the much shorter Dillon Brooks last season wiped Giannis on his own!

    The Freak’s Evolution and the Defender’s Edge

    Turkey’s EuroBasket triumph wasn’t just a win—it was a reminder that basketball’s a team sport, even against unicorns like Giannis. By disrupting flow, collapsing space, and embracing the grind, they turned a supernova into a shooting star. In the NBA, where schemes evolve daily, expect more coaches to dust off this playbook as the Bucks chase another ring.

    What’s next for the Greek Freak? A sharper jumper? Better pick-and-roll vision? It doesn’t seem like he has added anything at all to his game all these years. More and more NBA players will just pull him apart like Turkey did. Bucks’ fans get confused because in easy games in the regular season most teams don’t bother. Why risk injury when so many times the officials don’t even give you the clear offensive foul Giannis commits? But when it counts? Three first round exits say “Giannis ain’t got it no more”.

    Sources: FIBA EuroBasket recaps, Basketball Sphere analysis, JSONline game reports, NBA Advanced Stats, and Second Spectrum data.

    Notable Individual Defenders

    • Dillon Brooks: Noteworthy for his physical, pesky defense on Giannis in 2024 NBA and Olympic matchups, using aggressive and disciplined tactics.
    • Lu Dort: Regarded as one of the top perimeter defenders, Dort used his strength and lateral quickness to defend Giannis on switches and in isolation, occasionally frustrating him in transition and halfcourt.
    • Bam Adebayo: Perhaps the most consistently effective one-on-one defender in playoff contexts, especially as the anchor for Miami’s wall defense.
    • Draymond Green: Famous for a 2025 regular-season performance where he held Giannis scoreless as a primary defender, supported by a strong team approach.
    • Grant Williams: Physical, disciplined, and effective—particularly in Celtics playoff series, often forcing Giannis into help coverage and tough shots.
    • Al Horford: Senior defender with a strong understanding of positioning, effective in both solo coverage and with Boston’s team help.
    • OG Anunoby: Length and strength allow him to contest Giannis’ drives and shots with discipline.
    • Onyeka Okongwu: Young big man with mobility and strong hands; considered one of the better defenders in direct matchups.
    • Anthony Davis: On healthy stretches with the Lakers, has the rim deterrence and agility to challenge Giannis at the basket.
    • Ben Simmons: Before recent injury downturn, was praised for his length and on-ball defense on Giannis.
    • Jonathan Isaac: When healthy, combined size, speed, and anticipation to bother Giannis in isolation and around the rim.
    • Jaren Jackson Jr.: Rim protection and lateral movement enable strong paint defense against Giannis.
    • Steven Adams: Physical strength inside makes him a tough post matchup for Giannis when protected by team schemes.
    • Clint Capela: Athletic rim protector, effective in switching schemes and as a help defender.
    • Zion Williamson: When healthy, physical enough to body Giannis and contest drives.
    • Evan Mobley & Jarrett Allen: The Cleveland frontcourt uses length and anticipation to wall off the lane and force tough finishes.
    • LeBron James: While not a primary defender, has successfully defended Giannis in stretches, using size and intelligence
  • Giannis Can’t Play Like Carmelo Anthony

    Giannis Can’t Play Like Carmelo Anthony

    In the pantheon of NBA greats, few players embody offensive versatility quite like Carmelo Anthony. Known for his silky mid-range game, deadly jab steps, and isolation scoring prowess, Melo was a nightmare matchup for defenders throughout his career. On the other hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, has built his Hall-of-Fame trajectory on sheer athletic dominance—barreling to the rim with eurosteps, thunderous dunks, and relentless drives. While Giannis has expressed interest in training with retired legends like Melo to expand his arsenal, the reality is stark: he simply can’t replicate Anthony’s style. Over a decade in the league, Giannis has shown minimal evolution in key offensive skills, adding precious few tools while regressing in others.

    The Fundamental Clash of Styles: Athleticism vs. Finesse

    Carmelo Anthony’s game was a masterclass in offensive craftsmanship. He excelled in the mid-range, where he consistently shot around 35-36% from 10-16 feet in his prime years, using footwork, pump fakes, and pull-up jumpers to create space. His three-point shooting peaked at over 40% in seasons like 2013-14, and he maintained a free-throw percentage often above 80%, making him a reliable closer in crunch time. Melo’s assists hovered around 2-4 per game, but his value lay in self-creation—iso plays where he could dismantle defenses one-on-one without needing elite speed or vertical leap.

    Contrast that with Giannis. From his rookie year in 2013-14, where he averaged just 6.8 points on 41.4% shooting, his game has always centered on physical gifts: length, speed, and power. He thrives at the rim, converting over 78% of attempts there in recent seasons, often via straight-line drives or transition buckets. But this reliance on athleticism limits him in half-court sets against packed defenses. Unlike Melo, Giannis lacks the refined footwork for jab-step pull-ups or the touch for consistent mid-range fadeaways. His career three-point percentage sits inconsistently low, and he rarely attempts the kind of contested jumpers that defined Anthony’s scoring. Even as Giannis has voiced admiration for Melo—recently stating he wants to train with him because “I don’t like working with players who are playing right now”—the body types and ingrained habits make emulation improbable. Giannis is a 7-foot freight train; Melo was a 6’8” surgeon with the ball.

    Giannis’ Stunted Development: Incremental Gains, Minimal Additions

    Giannis entered the NBA as a raw, skinny prospect from Greece, with scouts praising his potential but noting his lack of polish. Over 12 seasons, he’s transformed into a two-time MVP and champion, but a closer look at his stats reveals a player who has leaned heavily on his natural tools rather than building a diverse skill set.

    • Scoring Efficiency at the Rim: This is where Giannis has shone, improving his field goal percentage from 41.4% as a rookie to a career-high 61.1% in 2023-24. His points per game ballooned to 30.4 in 2024-25, but this growth stems from higher usage (up to 35.2%) and better team spacing, not new moves. He’s still primarily a slasher, with over 70% of his shots coming within 10 feet of the basket in most seasons.
    • Playmaking: He hasn’t developed the off-ball screening or spot-up shooting that could make him a true offensive hub like LeBron James.
    • Limited Perimeter Expansion: Giannis has attempted more threes over time (up to 4-5 per game), but his accuracy hasn’t followed. After a decent 34.7% in his rookie year (on low volume), it’s plummeted to 22.2% in 2024-25. Mid-range shots? Virtually absent from his repertoire, unlike Melo’s bread-and-butter. Analyses of his progression highlight this stagnation: while he’s added muscle and confidence, core skills like ball-handling in tight spaces or off-dribble shooting remain underdeveloped.

    Expert takes echo this. Discussions on his growth mindset praise his work ethic, but they often circle back to the same traits: obsession with the game and physical dominance, not technical refinement. One analysis notes he’s “not the most skilled,” relying on discipline over innate finesse. In essence, Giannis has polished his strengths but added few new weapons, making his game predictable in playoffs where athletic edges are neutralized.

    Regressions That Highlight the Plateau

    Worse still, Giannis has backslid in areas that could have diversified his attack, further distancing him from a Melo-like versatility.

    • Free-Throw Shooting: A glaring weakness. Peaking at 77.0% in 2016-17, it regressed to a dismal 61.7% in 2024-25—worse than his rookie 68.3%. This not only hurts in close games but discourages aggressive drives, as hacks become a viable strategy. Melo, by comparison, rarely dipped below 75%, maintaining clutch reliability.
    • Three-Point Regression: From sporadic highs around 30%, it’s tanked to sub-25% in recent seasons, reducing his spacing threat. Defenses sag off him, clogging the paint and limiting his drives—the very core of his game.
    • Overall True Shooting: While it peaked at 64.9% in 2023-24, it dipped to 62.5% the next year amid these shooting woes. Rebounding has stayed elite (around 11-13 per game), but that’s another athletic staple, not a learned skill.

    Social media and forums buzz with similar observations: while fans laud his passing as “underrated,” broader takes question if his development has plateaued, with one post calling him “one of the best development stories” but implicitly noting it’s more about physical maturation than skill acquisition.

    Why Training with Melo Won’t Bridge the Gap

    At 30 years old (turning 31 in December 2025) fundamental changes are tough. Melo himself responded enthusiastically to Giannis’ interest, praising his “student” mindset and offering to mentor. Yet, absorbing Melo’s jab-step mastery or mid-range touch requires years of repetition Giannis hasn’t invested. His body—built for explosion, not subtlety—doesn’t lend itself to Melo’s deliberate pacing. Plus, with regressions in shooting mechanics, adding finesse now feels like patching a sinking ship rather than rebuilding it.

    Analyses suggest Giannis thrives by amplifying his gifts, not reinventing them. Attempting a Melo transformation could dilute what makes him special: that unstoppable force to the basket. As one veteran coach might say, “A—holes don’t get better”—implying ego can stall growth, but in Giannis’ case, it’s more about path dependency.

    Giannis’ inability to play like Carmelo Anthony underscores a career of limited skill expansion. He has regressed in shooting reliability, leaving his game one-dimensional compared to Melo’s multifaceted scoring. As the NBA evolves toward spacing and versatility, Giannis’ stagnation could cap his legacy unless he defies the odds. For now, the Greek Freak remains a force of nature—not a craftsman like Melo. And his lack of development is showing in comparisons with younger more capable players that can do it all. Just because Giannis happened to see some old YouTube clips of Melo one night recently doesn’t mean he can emulate anything at all.

  • Sengun is right: Giannis Antetokounmpo Isn’t the Passer He’s Cracked Up to Be

    Sengun is right: Giannis Antetokounmpo Isn’t the Passer He’s Cracked Up to Be

    In the pantheon of NBA superstars, Giannis Antetokounmpo stands as a freakish force of nature—a 6’11” freight train with the ball, capable of posterizing defenders and anchoring elite defenses. But amid the MVP awards (two of them, in 2019 and 2020), a Finals MVP in 2021, and a championship that same year, there’s a persistent narrative: Giannis is a “great passer.” Fans and analysts point to his assist numbers, his vision in transition, and those jaw-dropping kick-outs from the paint. Yet, when you dive into the stats—cold, hard numbers that don’t care about highlight reels—a different story emerges. Giannis isn’t a good passer. He’s a high-volume ball-handler whose assists are inflated by usage and opportunity, undermined by turnovers, and middling when stacked against true playmakers. Let’s break it down with data from his career through the 2024-25 season, drawing on sources like Basketball-Reference, ESPN, and NBA.com.

    The Raw Numbers: Assists That Don’t Impress

    At first glance, Giannis’s assist totals look solid. Over 12 NBA seasons (through 2024-25), he’s averaged 5.0 assists per game (APG) in 859 regular-season games. That’s climbed to 6.5 APG in his last two seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25), with 433 total assists in 2024-25 alone across 67 games. But context matters. Giannis leads the league in usage rate year after year—peaking at 34.1% in 2018-19—meaning he touches the ball more than almost anyone. When you’re the Bucks’ primary creator, racking up 5-6 assists isn’t elite; it’s expected.

    Compare that to actual assist leaders. In 2024-25, Trae Young topped the NBA with 11.6 APG in 76 games, followed by Nikola Jokić at 10.7 APG. Giannis? He didn’t crack the top 10, sitting around 6th-8th among high-usage players but well behind guards and fellow bigs like Jokić. Even in April 2025, when he averaged a blistering 12.75 APG over four games, it was an anomaly—a small-sample spike in a month where the Bucks leaned on him post-injury—while his season-long mark lagged.

    Here’s a quick table of NBA APG leaders for 2024-25 (minimum 57.4 games played per 82-team pace):

    RankPlayerTeamAPG
    1Trae YoungATL11.6
    2Nikola JokićDEN10.7
    3LeBron JamesLAL9.1
    4Cade CunninghamDET9.0
    5James HardenLAC8.9
    …Giannis AntetokounmpoMIL6.5

    Giannis’s career APG trajectory tells the tale: It jumped from 1.9 as a rookie (2013-14) to 5.9 in his 2018-19 MVP year, but it hasn’t budged much since—hovering at 5.7-6.5 APG from 2022-25. For a guy billed as a “point-forward,” that’s pedestrian. LeBron James, at age 40 in 2024-25, still averaged 9.1 APG while sharing ball-handling duties.

    Advanced Metrics: Assist% Sounds Good, But…

    Dig deeper into assist percentage (AST%), which measures the percentage of teammates’ field goals assisted while the player is on the floor. Giannis’s career AST% is around 28-30% in recent years, peaking at 36.0% in 2024-25—a respectable mark that ranks him in the 80th-90th percentile among forwards. But here’s the rub: True passers like Jokić boast 40-45% AST% regularly, creating more scoring chances per possession. Giannis’s AST% spiked in 2019-20 (34.2%) thanks to Milwaukee’s improved spacing, but it dipped to 28.7% in the 2020-21 title year when defenses keyed on him.

    Potential assists (passes that lead directly to made shots) and secondary assists (earlier passes in the chain) paint a similar picture. In 2020-21, Giannis ranked in the 95th percentile for passer rating per Cleaning the Glass, with 14.9% of his passes turning into assists—better than Stephen Curry’s 11.8% that year. Sounds elite, right? Not quite. His potential assists per game hover at 8-10, but conversion rates lag because his passes often go to non-shooters or in traffic. In 2021-22, the Bucks led the league in assist-to-pass percentage at 9.2% (up to 9.5% in 2024-25), but Giannis’s contributions were fewer passes overall (down from prior years) due to a slower pace. Efficiency, sure—but volume creators like Luka Dončić average 12-15 potential assists with higher completion.

    Playoff pressure exposes this further. In the 2024-25 postseason, Giannis averaged 6.6 APG but with an AST% of just 35.6%—solid, but his team lost in the first round to Indiana, where his passing couldn’t crack their defense. Over his playoff career, his APG drops to 5.4, with notable clunkers like 4.9 APG in the 2018-19 semis.

    The Turnover Trap: All Vision, No Precision

    If assists measure creation, turnovers measure destruction—and Giannis is a turnover machine. His career turnover percentage (TOV%) is 14.5%, meaning nearly 1 in 7 possessions ends in a giveaway. In 2024-25, he averaged 3.1 turnovers per game (TOVPG)—the highest among top-10 usage players. That’s more than double Jokić’s 1.6 TOVPG or Young’s 3.6 APG edge despite similar volume.

    His assist-to-turnover (A/TO) ratio? A middling 1.9:1 career mark, dipping to 1.7:1 in 2024-25. Elite passers hit 3:1 or higher; even LeBron’s at 2.5:1 in 2024-25. Cleaning the Glass notes Giannis “has never taken care of the ball at an above-average rate for forwards,” with his TOV% improving yearly until a 2018-19 backslide to 15.2%. In high-stakes spots, it’s worse: 7 of his last 10 playoff games saw 4+ turnovers, including 5 TOV in Game 5 of the 2024-25 first round.

    Why so turnover-prone? Giannis’s passing style—long, cross-court lasers from drives—forces low-percentage throws. In 2023-24, 22% of his turnovers were charging fouls or bad passes, per NBA tracking data, compared to 12% for Jokić. His AST:Usage ratio (assists per usage rate) peaked at 0.88 in 2018-19 but sits at 0.75 now—below average for creators.

    Not Even Close to the Greats: Sengun is right

    Giannis has 4,287 career assists through 2024-25, ranking him tied for 20th among active players but outside the top 100 all-time. For reference, LeBron has 11,000+ at the same age. Among MVP winners, Giannis’s 5.0 APG career trails Jokić (7.2), Russell Westbrook (8.2), and even Derrick Rose (4.2, but with better A/TO).

    He’s the only player to average 25+ PPG, 10+ RPG, 5+ APG, 1+ BPG, 1+ SPG in multiple seasons—but that “5+ APG” is the bare minimum for “elite” playmaking. Wilt Chamberlain did 30/30/5 in 1967-68; Oscar Robertson hit 10+ APG routinely. Giannis? No 10-APG season, no assist title, and his Bucks rank 18th in assists per game as a team in 2024-25.

    The Eye Test and the Bottom Line

    Stats aside, watch Giannis: His passes are reactive—kicks from collapses or lobs in transition—not proactive reads like Jokić’s pocket passes or Young’s pick-and-roll wizardry. In 2024-25, 65% of his assists came off drives (per NBA.com tracking), but only 28% led to threes, vs. 45% for elite passers. The Bucks’ offense stalls when he’s doubled; his vision doesn’t unlock zones like it should. All too often he has taken the easy defensive rebound (because the whole Bucks roster clears out so he can stat pad) then driven the ball down looking for an easy dunk (to stat pad again) and then after getting stuck in traffic he often wastes time until the clock is running out (because he can’t dribble and has no moves the opponents can’t predict). Then he makes a desperation pass to a poor team mate with no clock left and everyone blames them!

    In a league trending toward spacing and creation, Giannis’s passing is a strength relative to his position—but not “good” in absolute terms. It’s serviceable, inflated by volume, and crippled by sloppiness. With 3.1 TOVPG and sub-7 APG in his prime, he’s no playmaking savant. He’s a scorer who rebounds and occasionally finds outlets. Time to retire the “point-Giannis” hype. He can’t screen either. And for sure he doesn’t understand timing, nor does he throw passes in a way to help his team mates score in their comfort zones.

    Most of all – as usual – Giannis fans are missing the important point. They highlight some video of an easy game and claim he is a great passer based on that. (Like they do for his 3pt….) But when the chips are down, since 2021, every single game that matters and in crunch time, Giannis has zero passing ability.

    Data sourced from Basketball-Reference, ESPN, NBA.com, and Cleaning the Glass as of September 2025.

  • Euro 2025 leaders in everything

    Euro 2025 leaders in everything

    Here is the list of players with the most total points in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, based on all games played up to this point:

    RankPlayerCountryGamesPointsPPG
    1Luka DončićSlovenia620434.0
    2Lauri MarkkanenFinland615626.0
    3Deni AvdijaIsrael614424.0
    4Jordan LoydPoland613823.0
    5Nikola JokicSerbia613422.3
    6Alperen SengunTürkiye613222.0
    7Franz WagnerGermany612420.7

    Here are the players with the most total rebounds in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, based on group phase statistics:

    RankPlayerCountryGamesRPGRebounds
    1Nikola VučevićMontenegro511.658
    2Tryggvi HlinasonIceland510.653
    3Alperen ŞengünTürkiye59.648
    4Nikola JokićSerbia59.246
    5Jusuf NurkićBosnia-Herz.59.045
    6Alen OmićSlovenia58.643
    7Lauri MarkkanenFinland58.241
    8Luka DončićSlovenia58.040

    Here are the players with the most total assists in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, based on current statistics:

    RankPlayerCountryGamesAPGAssists
    1Luka DončićSlovenia69.255
    2Dennis SchröderGermany68.652
    3Vasilije MicićSerbia68.048
    4Elie OkoboFrance66.539
    5Rokas JokubaitisLithuania46.325
    6Killian HayesFrance65.835

    Here are the players with the most steals in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket based on current tournament statistics:

    RankPlayerCountryGamesSteals TotalSteals Per Game (SPG)
    1Luka DončićSlovenia6193.2
    2Dennis SchröderGermany6172.8

    Here are the players with the most blocks in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket based on current official statistics:

    RankPlayerCountryGamesBlocks TotalBlocks Per Game (BPG)
    1Nikola VučevićMontenegro5142.8
    2Jusuf NurkićBosnia-Herzegovina5132.6
    3Alperen ŞengünTürkiye6122.0
    4Nikola JokićSerbia6111.8
    5Luka DončićSlovenia6101.7

    Here are the players with the highest efficiency ratings in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, based on current official statistics:

    RankPlayerCountryGamesEfficiency Rating (PER)
    1Luka DončićSlovenia632.5
    2Nikola JokićSerbia628.8
    3Lauri MarkkanenFinland626.3
    4Alperen SengunTürkiye625.4

    Here are the players with the highest free throw percentages in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket (minimum attempts considered):

    RankPlayerCountryGamesFree Throw Percentage (FT%)
    1Mike JamesItaly696.7%
    2Shane LarkinTurkey694.3%
    3Luka DončićSlovenia693.5%
    4Dennis SchröderGermany692.8%
    5Lauri MarkkanenFinland691.0%

    Here are the players with the highest three-point shooting percentages in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket (minimum attempts considered):

    RankPlayerCountryGamesThree-Point Percentage (3P%)
    1Rolands ŠmitsLatvia649.5%
    2Bogdan BogdanovićSerbia647.8%
    3Vlatko ČančarSlovenia646.2%
    4Shane LarkinTurkey645.0%
    5Kevin PangosFinland644.8%

  • Is Giannis afraid of Nurkic? Hell yeah!

    Is Giannis afraid of Nurkic? Hell yeah!

    Giannis Antetokounmpo notably avoided playing against Jusuf Nurkic and Bosnia and Herzegovina in today’s EuroBasket matchup, fueling speculation that he is wary of Nurkic’s defensive prowess and psychological edge over him. Historically, Nurkic has succeeded in neutralizing Giannis’s strengths, both in the NBA and FIBA play, particularly by forcing Giannis into uncomfortable jump shots instead of easy transition dunks or layups.

    Giannis’ Fear Factor: Why the Greek Freak Dodged Nurkic in Today’s EuroBasket Clash

    In the high-stakes world of international basketball, where egos clash as hard as bodies in the paint, today’s EuroBasket 2025 matchup between Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina was supposed to be a blockbuster. Greece, powered by NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, facing off against Bosnia’s rugged big man Jusuf Nurkic. But in a move that raised eyebrows across the basketball universe, Giannis sat out. Coincidence? Or is there something deeper—a lingering fear of the “Bosnian Beast” that has haunted Giannis in past encounters? Let’s dive into the history, the stats, and the nitty-gritty of why Giannis just can’t seem to shake Nurkic when it matters most.

    The “Avoidance” Today: A Strategic Rest or Tactical Retreat?

    EuroBasket 2025 has been Giannis’ playground so far. He’s been dropping monster lines—averaging 29 points and 7.5 rebounds on absurd efficiency—helping Greece cruise through their group stage games. But today, against Bosnia, the Greek Freak was nowhere to be seen on the court. Officially, it’s labeled as “rest” after a back-to-back, but come on. This isn’t just any opponent; it’s Nurkic, the guy who’s given Giannis fits in the NBA. With Greece already qualified for the Round of 16, why risk it against a defender who’s built like a brick wall and has a history of frustrating the two-time MVP? It’s not hard to connect the dots: Giannis knows Nurkic’s game all too well, and he didn’t want to deal with it on the international stage, where the rules tilt even more in favor of physical, paint-clogging bigs like Nurkic.

    Nurkic himself fueled the fire pre-game, outlining a plan to “build a wall” around Giannis, forcing him into jump shots and slowing his transition dominance. “Stop him in transition and live with his shots,” Nurkic said, pointing out how Giannis has struggled against packed defenses in past EuroBaskets. And let’s be real—without the NBA’s defensive three-second rule, Nurkic can camp in the lane all day, turning the paint into a no-fly zone for Giannis’ euro-steps and dunks. If that’s not a recipe for avoidance, what is?

    Digging into the Past: Nurkic’s Upper Hand in Key Matchups

    Giannis may have an 8-2 overall record against Nurkic in their 10 NBA head-to-heads, but don’t let that fool you. When Nurkic’s teams have won, it’s often because he’s neutralized Giannis’ explosiveness, forcing him into inefficient nights or drawing him into foul trouble. Let’s break down the tape on their encounters, focusing on those moments where Nurkic clearly got under Giannis’ skin.

    Here’s a table summarizing their head-to-head games, highlighting points, rebounds, and the outcomes:

    DateTeams (Winner First)ScoreGiannis Stats (PTS-REB-AST-STL-BLK)Nurkic Stats (PTS-REB-AST-STL-BLK)Key Notes
    Feb. 20, 2015Bucks vs Nuggets89-8110-9-1-1-011-15-2-2-3Nurkic dominates the glass; Giannis held to single-digit points.
    Mar. 21, 2017Bucks vs Trail Blazers93-9022-8-3-0-211-14-1-2-2Close game; Nurkic’s blocks disrupt Giannis’ drives.
    Oct. 21, 2017Bucks vs Trail Blazers113-11044-8-4-2-217-11-3-0-3Giannis explodes, but Nurkic holds his own with blocks.
    Nov. 30, 2017Bucks vs Trail Blazers103-9120-9-5-3-325-11-1-3-1Nurkic outscores Giannis; Blazers win as Nurkic owns the paint.
    Nov. 06, 2018Trail Blazers vs Bucks118-10323-9-6-0-012-9-6-0-1Blazers victory; Giannis inefficient, Nurkic assists shine.
    Nov. 21, 2018Bucks vs Trail Blazers143-10033-16-9-3-016-6-0-0-1Bucks blowout, but Nurkic limits Giannis’ impact early.
    Apr. 02, 2021Bucks vs Trail Blazers127-10947-12-2-1-39-11-3-1-0Giannis dominates, but Nurkic’s presence forces tough shots.
    Feb. 05, 2022Bucks vs Trail Blazers137-10829-9-6-0-111-10-3-0-2Bucks win big; Nurkic battles on boards.
    Nov. 21, 2022Bucks vs Trail Blazers119-11137-7-6-2-016-10-3-0-0Close; Nurkic’s rebounding keeps it competitive.
    Feb. 06, 2024Suns vs Bucks114-10634-10-6-0-010-10-4-2-0Suns win; Nurkic’s defense key in containing Giannis late.

    Look closely: In the two games where Nurkic’s teams came out on top (Nov. 6, 2018, and Feb. 6, 2024), Giannis averaged 28.5 points but shot inefficiently, turning the ball over and getting frustrated by Nurkic’s physicality. Nurkic, meanwhile, averaged double-doubles (11 points, 9.5 rebounds) while dishing out assists and steals, showing his all-around impact. Even in losses, Nurkic often out-rebounded Giannis (6 out of 10 games) and blocked more shots (5 out of 10), proving he’s no pushover.

    Nurkic’s standout performance came on Nov. 30, 2017, when he dropped 25 points on Giannis’ Bucks, outscoring the Greek star and leading Portland to victory. Giannis admitted post-game that Nurkic’s size and strength made it tough to get to the rim easily. Fast-forward to their most recent clash in 2024, where Nurkic’s Suns upset the Bucks—Giannis put up 34, but Nurkic’s defensive switches and rebounding (10 boards) were pivotal in Phoenix’s comeback.

    Why Giannis Can’t Get Past Nurkic: The Breakdown

    So, why does a player as freakishly athletic as Giannis struggle against Nurkic? It boils down to physics, strategy, and mindset.

    1. Physical Matchup Nightmare: At 7 feet and 290 pounds, Nurkic is one of the few bigs who can match Giannis’ blend of size, strength, and agility. Giannis thrives on bullying smaller defenders, but Nurkic doesn’t budge. He’s a classic drop-big defender who anchors the paint, using his wide frame to absorb contact and force Giannis into contested hooks or fades. In FIBA rules, without the three-second violation, Nurkic can loiter under the basket, turning Giannis’ drives into traffic jams.
    2. Defensive IQ and Versatility: Nurkic isn’t just a statue; he’s got quick hands (averaging 1.0 steals per matchup) and elite rim protection (1.3 blocks). He anticipates Giannis’ euro-steps and spin moves, often swatting shots or forcing turnovers. Analysis from their games shows Giannis’ field goal percentage drops around 5-7% when Nurkic is the primary defender, per NBA tracking data. Nurkic’s ability to switch onto perimeter players also disrupts Greece’s (or Milwaukee’s) spacing, making it harder for Giannis to isolate.
    3. Psychological Edge: There’s beef here. Nurkic has publicly called out Giannis’ weaknesses, like his mid-range shooting (Giannis is a career 28% from three, and even worse under pressure). In EuroBasket, where courts are smaller and defenses more physical, Giannis can’t rely on transition buckets—his bread and butter. Nurkic knows this: “In the NBA, he has so much space… Here it’s another game.” Giannis’ international struggles (e.g., Greece’s quarterfinal exits) often stem from teams building walls, and Nurkic is the perfect architect.
    4. Rebounding and Second-Chance Battles: Nurkic edges Giannis on the boards in most games, denying offensive rebounds that fuel Giannis’ put-backs. This wears on Giannis mentally, as seen in games where he picks up frustration fouls trying to muscle through.

    In short, Nurkic turns Giannis from a freight train into a stalled engine. Giannis can’t “get past him and score easily” because Nurkic clogs lanes, absorbs contact, and forces perimeter play—where Giannis is mortal.

    Final Thoughts: Is This the Start of a Rivalry Renewal?

    Giannis sitting out today might be spun as load management, but the timing screams avoidance. Nurkic has the tools to expose Giannis’ flaws, and with EuroBasket’s knockout stage looming, why risk a confidence-shaking performance? If they meet again in the tournament, expect fireworks—Nurkic’s trash talk has already lit the fuse. For now, though, it’s clear: when it comes to Nurkic, the Greek Freak has a Bosnian-sized phobia.

    Past Matchups: Nurkic’s Defensive Tactics

    Giannis’s regular season dominance in the NBA is partly thanks to wide spacing and shooters like Brook Lopez, which allows him to attack with freedom. In FIBA play, especially versus Nurkic:

    • Defensive three-second rules are absent, so Nurkic stays planted under the rim, cutting off drives.
    • Nurkic’s size, physicality, and discipline in positioning prevent Giannis from getting easy buckets in transition.
    • Forcing Giannis into midrange or three-point attempts, where his percentages dip dramatically, exposes his most vulnerable skill gap.
    • Psychological confidence is a factor: Nurkic’s continued public critique and challenges seem to frustrate Giannis, making him hesitant or even leading to rest decisions during key games—such as today’s absence.

    The Latest Chapter: Ducking the Challenge?

    In today’s match, Giannis sat while Greece played Bosnia and Herzegovina, intensifying the narrative that he is afraid to face Nurkic on the international stage. While rest and scheduling might be official reasons, the timing—given Nurkic’s strategic comments and historic defensive success—suggests Giannis may have chosen not to directly confront the Bosnian big man.

    Nurkic is Giannis’s Kryptonite in FIBA Play

    Giannis’s struggles against Nurkic’s defence stem from tactical limitations in international basketball and psychological warfare. Nurkic’s ability to block the paint, his physical matchup advantage, and his mental games combine to make him one of the few players who can truly limit Giannis’s scoring when it matters for the Greek national team. Every year, the evidence grows: when Nurkic is waiting, Giannis knows his path to dominance isn’t so simple.

    1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/sked-at-those-defensesjusuf-nurkic-fuels-on-court-rivalry-with-giannis-antetokounmpo-after-ripping-the-9-time-nba-all-stars-eurobasket-gameplay/articleshow/123646409.cms
    2. https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-hes-sucked-at-those-defenses-jusuf-nurkic-makes-bold-declaration-about-stopping-giannis-antetokounmpo/
    3. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1n5q25q/kyriakidis_nurkic_but_at_the_end_of_the_day_just/
    4. https://thejnotes.com/jusuf-nurkic-says-quiet-part-out-loud-about-giannis-antetokounmpo
    5. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/giannis-stats-vs-nurkic
    6. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/jusuf-nurkic-versus-giannis-antetokounmpo
    7. https://www.landofbasketball.com/player_comparison/giannis_antetokounmpo_vs_jusuf_nurkic.htm
    8. https://behindthebuckpass.com/opponents-delusional-giannis-undeniable-target-back
    9. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-ex-denver-nuggets-star-jusuf-nurkic-warns-giannis-antetokounmpo-as-nba-rules-might-backfire-on-greece-at-eurobasket/
    10. https://www.landofbasketball.com/games_between/giannis_antetokounmpo_vs_jusuf_nurkic.htm
  • How much worse is Giannis when the going gets tough?

    How much worse is Giannis when the going gets tough?

    It is easily measurable. His overall field goal percentage (FG%) decreases from 55.1% in the regular season to 53.2% in the playoffs. More pronounced drops are observed in his perimeter shooting and free throw accuracy. His three-point percentage (FG3%) falls from 28.4% in the regular season to 25.9% in the playoffs. The most significant decline is seen in his free throw percentage (FT%), which drops from 69.3% in the regular season to 62.5% in the playoffs. Consequently, his effective field goal percentage (eFG%), which accounts for the added value of three-pointers, also decreases from 57.0% to 55.1%.  

    These declines in key shooting efficiency metrics strongly support the hypothesis regarding a deterioration in shooting performance when the competition intensifies. The consistent reduction in accuracy from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, despite his increased offensive volume, suggests that while he attempts to do more, the quality of his outside shots or execution under heightened pressure may be compromised. This indicates a clear vulnerability that opposing defences can exploit in high-stakes playoff environments.

    Due to lack of bag he doesn’t really have a way to dictate what shots he takes. Compare regular season shooting by distances to the playoffs. Critically, his career playoff three-point percentage drops to 25.9% on a slightly increased share of attempts (14.9%).

    The most pronounced and consistent decline is observed in his three-point shooting and, as previously

    noted, his free-throw percentage. The slight increase in mid-range attempts during the playoffs could suggest that defensive strategies are more successful in forcing him away from his preferred at-rim scoring, compelling him to take more shots from these less efficient areas. The consistent drop in perimeter and free-throw shooting in the playoffs points to a critical area where opposing defences can effectively limit Giannis’s offensive versatility. By daring him to shoot from outside or fouling him, defences can force him into less efficient scoring methods, even if he still manages to generate high volume. This clearly demonstrates a causal relationship: increased defensive pressure in the playoffs leads to lower efficiency in his weaker shooting areas.

    Even in the regular season however Giannis suffers. For the purpose of this analysis, “harder” regular season opponents are defined as teams with a winning percentage above.500. Conversely, “easier” opponents would typically be teams with a winning percentage below.500.

    The significant drops in his overall Field Goal Percentage, Three-Point Percentage, and Free Throw Percentage in the playoffs highlight a clear vulnerability. Giannis is clearly past his prime of 5 years ago.

    Even at the rim he is getting worse.

    In his 2018-19 MVP campaign, he averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. He is down in both these as he focuses more on personal stat padding than the team quite obviously. In defence he is simply prowling out of position looking for a highlight video. Giannis is clearly a player that is past him prime. Worse still he isn’t adding anything to his game. So when it counts opponents neutralise him. Or worse still, they let him get his 30 points for bragging rights but the way he is forced to play destroys his team’s chances of winning.

  • Giannis’ dunk, misinformation. No he was not the best

    Giannis’ dunk, misinformation. No he was not the best

    LeBron James scored 100% of his dunks last season. As he did the previous season. That shows something about his IQ on the court and his selection of moves. It shows he has bag and can turn to other ways of scoring or passing.

    Giannis? Sure he made the most dunk attempts in the NBA again. But as usual he hovers at 95%. Is that good? Well, some call it elite. I call it catastrophic.

    SeasonDunk AttemptsDunks MadeDunks MissedDunk %
    2022–232352231294.9%

    It also shows zero progress. Because Giannis is not adding to his tools, he is just doing the same thing again and again. And it’s working less and less. Sure he gets away with it in regular season games. Or when the opponents defence makes a mistake. But it is killing his team’s ball flow. His selfish attempts for stat padding show lack of bag and lack of understanding. The Bucks can’t develop like this.

    PlayerDunk AttemptsDunks MadeDunk %
    Giannis26425195.1%

    What is even more silly is when they post about “hang time” and refer to TOTAL hang time during dunks. Since Giannis made the most dunk attempts it makes sense that in TOTAL he was in the air more than others. But when you divide the total air time by the number of dunks he is actually at the bottom of the “hangtime” rankings, ie he is in the air less. Unspectacular. This is a player that has been in the NBA for more than a decade surrounded by players that were brought on the team to help him score and he still does stuff like this.

  • Let’s talk Giannis mid range again…

    Let’s talk Giannis mid range again…

    During the regular season a myth developed that Giannis had somehow started shooting mid range. It was completely inaccurate and I have debunked it with multiple posts. The summary is that he regressed to his usual terrible form and it was only during a stretch of easy games that he shot well from two very specific spots on the floor. As soon as a team stepped up their defence he lost it. Completely.

    The Bucks lost to every single top ranked team in the East even during the regular season. In those games Giannis had no mid range. He is a two trick pony and that’s what he turns to quite predictably.

    On the left as per the official statistics from nba.com the distances

    considered “mid range” broken down for the playoffs. And remember, Giannis only had one series in the first round so if anything, his statistics should look much better than players that played more games further along as the playoffs got more difficult.

    5-9feet? Nope. Giannis nowhere to be found. 10-14 ft? Of course not. And what about that one distance he had any success in the easier games in the regular season? 15-19ft. Surely, Giannis must have shot at least something from that distance?

    Not even that. When under pressure Giannis can only do one thing. Go to the rim. And it doesn’t really work when he doesn’t get a foul and/or he then missed the free throws.

    And of course the closer we get to the 3point line, the worse Giannis is. So no, Giannis has no mid range. Not when it counts. If anything he is getting worse at 3point percentage (worse ever almost in a single season) and free throws.

  • Giannis isn’t the Archetype of the Modern NBA Power Forward

    Giannis isn’t the Archetype of the Modern NBA Power Forward

    When we analyse the “ideal modern power forward” archetype that emphasises floor-spacing and versatile perimeter offence, Giannis, does not fit that mold. His unique strengths, while overwhelmingly effective in the regular season games nobody cares about, highlight a fascinating divergence from the modern PF ideal. In the playoffs this becomes painfully apparent despite his stat padding and personal numbers.

    The Missing Element: Elite Three-Point Shooting

    The most significant factor differentiating Giannis from the ideal modern power forward is his inconsistent and often-reluctant three-point shot. The stretch four, a big man who consistently hits shots from deep, has become a cornerstone of contemporary NBA offences. They pull opposing bigs out of the paint, creating driving lanes and spacing for guards and wings. Giannis shot worse than ever in his career last season from 3 in fact it was one of the worse seasons in NBA history for 3pt percentage.

    Giannis, for all his offensive brilliance, has never developed into a reliable perimeter shooter. Throughout his career, his three-point percentage has largely hovered below league average. For example, in the 2023-24 season, he shot just 27.4% from beyond the arc on 1.7 attempts per game. In the 2024-25 season, that number dropped even further to 22.2% on 0.9 attempts per game. (Source: StatMuse). This forces a different offensive approach for the Milwaukee Bucks. Defenses often sag off Giannis on the perimeter, daring him to shoot, and instead pack the paint to deny his drives. While he can overcome this with sheer force sometimes, it undeniably limits the offensive versatility and spacing his team can achieve compared to a true stretch four.

    Offensive Playmaking – A Different Kind of Facilitation

    While the ideal modern PF possesses strong play making skills, Giannis’s play making operates differently. He excels as a primary ball-handler, initiating offence with his drives and finding teammates through his gravity at the rim. He consistently averages high assist numbers for a big man, including 6.5 assists per game in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons (Source: StatMuse). But again this is stat padding more than actual results for the team.

    A modern PF playmaker often facilitates from the perimeter, running pick-and-pops or making quick reads from the elbow. Giannis’s play making stems almost entirely from his downhill attacking, drawing multiple defenders and then dishing to open shooters or cutters. While effective in easier games, it relies less on refined perimeter passing and more on creating chaos and reacting to help defence. This is a subtle but important distinction in the context of floor spacing and offensive flow.

    Defensive Profile: Elite, But Not Necessarily “Switchable” in the Modern Sense

    Defensively, Giannis is an absolute force. His length and athleticism used to make him a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He no longer leads the league in defensive rebounds for a reason, and his rim protection (averaging 1.1 blocks per game in 2023-24 and 1.2 blocks per game in 2024-25) and ability to guard in transition are often quoted. (Source: StatMuse).

    However, the “switchability” aspect of the ideal modern PF emphasizes the ability to seamlessly switch onto smaller, quicker guards on the perimeter and contain them consistently. While Giannis can certainly hold his own on switches due to his incredible length and recovery speed, opposing teams still often try to exploit him in isolation against agile guards. His defensive strength lies more in his heliocentric defensive impact – rotating, covering ground, and acting as a weak-side shot blocker or primary rim protector – rather than pure one-on-one perimeter lock down ability against every position. He lacks basketball IQ and lateral speed to respond quickly and adapt.

    A Unique Dominator, Not a Prototype

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is an outlier, a player whose incredible physical gifts and relentless drive allowed him to dominate the league in a way that defies conventional archetypes. He used to force teams to adjust to him, rather than conforming his game to a predetermined ideal. His success is a testament to the idea that there are multiple paths to elite performance in the NBA. But it has not stood the test of time. It worked briefly, then teams figured him out. Sure, in the regular season not many opponents bother to D up against him, but when it counts? Giannis is worse than useless.

    While the “ideal modern power forward” continues to evolve, heavily leaning into perimeter shooting and fluid offensive versatility, Giannis seems to be regressing and doubling down in the few things he does. And these don’t work in the post season as opponents can easily neutralise him when it counts. Giannis has not developed as the NBA speeds along to a whole new playing style.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo and Angel Reese: Similarities and Limitations

    Giannis Antetokounmpo and Angel Reese: Similarities and Limitations

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time NBA MVP, and Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s rising WNBA star, may seem worlds apart at first glance. One dominates the NBA with his towering presence, while the other is carving her name in the WNBA with relentless energy. Yet, a closer look at their playing styles reveals striking similarities in how they impact the game, alongside shared limitations that shape their development. Giannis’ recent tweet “That’s a great teammate right there” mirrors the way the Bucks have always covered for him and his many many limitations.

    1. Lack of a Reliable Jump Shot

    The most glaring limitation for both Giannis and Reese is their underdeveloped jump shooting. Giannis’s career 28.6% three-point shooting and 53.4% free-throw percentage expose him in playoff scenarios, where defences sag off to clog the paint. His mid-range game has improved, but it’s still inconsistent. Reese faces a similar critique, shooting just 31% from the field, with most attempts near the rim. Her lack of a jumper limits her offensive versatility, forcing her to rely on put backs or drives.

    Without a reliable shot, both players struggle against packed defences. Giannis often faces “walls” in the postseason, while Reese’s misses close to the rim have sparked memes and criticism. Improving their shooting is critical to unlocking their full potential.

    2. Inefficiency in Scoring

    Tied to their shooting woes, both players can be inefficient scorers. Giannis’s 55.3% true shooting percentage is solid but dips in high-stakes games when his jumper falters. Reese’s 30.9% field goal percentage in 2025 is among the league’s lowest, with analysts like Jason Whitlock slamming her “unskilled” offence. Her tendency to chase “mebounds” by missing layups and grabbing rebounds can inflate her stats but hurt team efficiency.

    Both are working to address this—Giannis through mid-range development, Reese through finishing drills—but their current reliance on athleticism over finesse caps their scoring upside.

    3. Decision-Making Under Pressure

    While both show play making promise, (which never materialises) their decision-making can falter in crunch time. Giannis’s turnover rate (3.0 per game) spikes when defences blitz him, as seen in playoff losses where he struggles to read double-teams. Reese, still early in her career, has been criticised for forcing shots or holding the ball too long, as seen in a viral clip where she ignored open teammates. Her 0-for-8 night against the Liberty underscored this issue.

    Maturing as decision-makers will help both maximise their impact, especially in high-pressure moments. And while Reese still has time, Giannis probably can’t and never will.

    4. Media and Public Scrutiny

    Though not a playing limitation, both face intense off-court pressure that shapes their growth. Giannis has navigated trade rumours and criticism of his playoff performances, yet remains a vocal leader. Reese endures relentless scrutiny, from her shooting struggles to her persona, with teammate Ariel Atkins noting her “heavy crown.” Giannis’s six-word praise for Atkins—“That’s a great teammate right there”—shows his empathy for Reese’s challenges.

    This shared experience of handling “nonsense” criticism, as Atkins put it, highlights their resilience but also the mental toll of stardom. They seem insecure about their abilities and rightly so.

    Reese may improve. Giannis? Probably not.

    Reese’s work on finishing, as seen in training videos, mirrors Giannis’s efforts to refine his jumper. Both are young—Giannis at 30, Reese at 23—with room to grow. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Angel Reese share a dynamic, paint-centric playing style defined by rebounding, defensive versatility, and relentless energy. Their ability to attack the rim, handle the ball, and disrupt opponents makes them unique, but their lack of a jump shot and scoring inefficiency pose challenges. As they navigate media scrutiny and high expectations, their resilience and work ethic shine through, much like their on-court hustle.

    For Giannis, the next step is playoff consistency; for Reese, it’s offensive polish. Yet, their similarities—rooted in athleticism, versatility, and heart—make them compelling figures in basketball’s evolving landscape. As Reese grows, her trajectory may echo Giannis’ rise from raw talent to superstar, proving that limitations are merely stepping stones for those who refuse to stop grinding. Will she be as lucky as Giannis in a championship run?

    Sources:

    • Basketball-Reference.com for Giannis’s career stats
    • ESPN.com for Reese’s 2025 season stats
    • HardwoodHeroics.com for recent Reese analysis
    • Medium.com for Giannis-Reese comparison
    • SportingNews.com for Giannis’s response to Reese

  • Giannis has no skills and his LeBron tweet was ridiculous

    Giannis has no skills and his LeBron tweet was ridiculous

    When discussing the NBA’s elite, Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James frequently top the conversation. Both are popular players, with Giannis dominating a two-time MVP and LeBron reigning as one of the greatest players ever. However, a common critique of Giannis is that his “bag” — the range of skills and versatility in his game — pales in comparison to LeBron’s. Giannis’ recent tweet indirectly aimed to put them on a similar level but it’s not even close.

    Scoring: Power vs. Precision

    Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Giannis, known as the “Greek Freak,” relies heavily on his physical gifts. Standing at 6’11” with a 7’3″ wingspan, he’s a force in the paint. His scoring is built on:

    • Rim Attacks: Giannis is arguably the best in the league at driving to the basket. His long strides and explosive athleticism make him nearly unstoppable in transition or when he gets a head of steam in the half-court.
    • Post Play: He uses his size to back down defenders, often finishing with dunks or layups.
    • Mid-Range and Three-Point Shooting: This is where Giannis’s limitations show. His jump shot remains inconsistent. In the 2024-25 season, he’s shooting around 29% from three on low volume (1-2 attempts per game) and rarely takes mid-range shots, preferring to attack the rim. His free-throw shooting, while improved, hovers around 65-70%, which can be exploited in clutch moments.

    Giannis’s scoring is devastatingly effective but one-dimensional. Defenses often sag off him, daring him to shoot, which limits his offensive repertoire compared to players with more refined jumpers.

    LeBron James

    LeBron, at 6’9″ and 250 pounds, combines physicality with finesse. His scoring arsenal is far more diverse:

    • Driving and Finishing: Like Giannis, LeBron is a freight train in transition and can finish through contact at the rim. However, he’s also adept at using spin moves and Eurosteps to create space.
    • Mid-Range Game: LeBron has a reliable pull-up jumper and fadeaway, especially in clutch situations. His mid-range shooting, while not as prolific as Kevin Durant’s, is a consistent weapon.
    • Three-Point Shooting: LeBron’s three-point shooting has varied over his career, but in recent seasons (2024-25), he’s shooting around 36-38% on 4-5 attempts per game. This forces defenses to respect his range, opening up driving lanes.
    • Post Play: LeBron’s post game is polished, with an array of turnarounds, hooks, and fadeaways, making him a matchup nightmare.

    LeBron’s ability to score from all three levels — inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc — gives him a significant edge. Defenders can’t predict his approach, as he can adapt to any defensive scheme.

    Verdict: Giannis’s scoring is elite but heavily reliant on his athleticism and paint dominance. LeBron’s multifaceted scoring makes him a more complete offensive threat.

    Playmaking: Vision and Execution

    Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Giannis has grown into a solid playmaker, averaging around 6-7 assists per game in recent seasons. His passing is effective in specific contexts:

    • Drive-and-Kick: Giannis often draws multiple defenders on drives, allowing him to kick out to open shooters.
    • Transition: His ability to grab a defensive rebound and lead the fast break is unparalleled, often finding teammates for easy buckets.
    • Limitations: Giannis’s playmaking is somewhat predictable. He’s not a point-forward who can run complex pick-and-rolls or dissect defenses with precision passing. His assist numbers are high partly because of Milwaukee’s system, which surrounds him with shooters, but he lacks the nuanced vision of elite playmakers.

    LeBron James

    LeBron is one of the best passers in NBA history, often compared to Magic Johnson. His playmaking is a cornerstone of his game:

    • Court Vision: LeBron’s ability to read defenses is uncanny. He can make cross-court skip passes, no-look passes, or thread the needle in traffic.
    • Pick-and-Roll Mastery: LeBron manipulates defenses in pick-and-roll situations, creating opportunities for both rollers and shooters.
    • Versatility: He can run point guard full-time, orchestrate from the post, or facilitate in transition. In 2024-25, he’s averaging 8-9 assists per game, often leading his team in this category despite being 40 years old.

    LeBron’s playmaking elevates his teammates, turning average players into threats. His basketball IQ allows him to exploit mismatches and create high-percentage shots.

    Verdict: Giannis is a good passer, but LeBron’s elite vision and versatility make him a far superior playmaker.

    Defense: Impact and Adaptability

    Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Giannis is a defensive juggernaut, having won the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award. His defensive strengths include:

    • Rim Protection: His length and timing make him an elite shot-blocker, averaging 1.5-2 blocks per game.
    • Versatility: Giannis can guard positions 1-5, switching onto guards or anchoring the paint against centers.
    • Help Defense: His ability to roam off weaker shooters and disrupt plays is a game-changer, often leading to steals (around 1.2 per game).

    However, Giannis can sometimes overcommit to blocks, leaving him out of position, and his perimeter defense, while solid, isn’t as lockdown as smaller, quicker defenders.

    LeBron James

    LeBron’s defensive prime was earlier in his career (2008-2016), but even in 2025, he remains a plus defender:

    • Versatility: LeBron can still guard multiple positions, though he’s less likely to take on elite perimeter players full-time at this stage.
    • IQ and Help Defense: His basketball IQ shines on defense, as he anticipates plays, rotates effectively, and communicates to organize his team.
    • Effort Management: LeBron often conserves energy on defense during the regular season, focusing on key possessions or playoff matchups.

    While LeBron’s defensive impact has waned slightly with age, his ability to switch, protect the rim, and make smart rotations keeps him effective.

    Verdict: Giannis has the edge defensively due to his peak rim protection and versatility, but LeBron’s defensive IQ and adaptability remain elite.

    Overall Versatility: The “Bag” Comparison

    The term “bag” refers to a player’s range of skills and ability to adapt to different situations. Giannis’s bag is deep in specific areas:

    • Unstoppable in transition and paint scoring. Well, he used to be unstoppable.
    • Elite defensive impact. Well, until he won DPOY and then forgot defence.
    • Improving but limited playmaking. Unless it is a game that matters.

    However, his lack of a reliable jump shot and limited playmaking creativity restrict his versatility. Defences can game-plan against him by clogging the paint and daring him to shoot, as seen in playoff series like the 2019 Raptors or 2021 Heat matchups.

    LeBron’s bag, by contrast, is one of the deepest in NBA history:

    • Scores efficiently from all three levels.
    • Elite playmaking that elevates any team.
    • High-level defense, even if not at its peak.
    • Ability to play and guard multiple positions, run point, or dominate in the post.

    LeBron’s versatility allows him to thrive in any system, against any defense, and in any era. He’s a chameleon, adapting to whatever his team needs — whether it’s scoring 40, dishing 15 assists, or locking down an opponent in crunch time.

    Contextual Factors: Age and Era

    It’s worth noting that Giannis (30 years old in 2025) is in his prime, while LeBron (40) is in the twilight of his career. Despite this, LeBron’s skill set remains more polished. Giannis theoretically has time to develop his jumper or playmaking, but his game has shown only incremental growth in these areas over the past few seasons. And most importantly LeBron rises to playoff pressure whereas Giannis has failed almost every year of his career with that one notable exception.

    The modern NBA, with its emphasis on spacing and shooting, also highlights Giannis’s limitations. LeBron’s ability to shoot and create off the dribble aligns better with today’s game, while Giannis’s paint-centric style requires specific roster construction (e.g., shooters like Middleton and Lopez) to maximize his impact. Most importantly, LeBron has done this at the highest level with three different teams. Giannis is on a roster always tailored around him which to a large degree hides his many, many weaknesses.

    So no Giannis, you won’t get away with this

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s physical dominance during the regular season make him a perennial MVP candidate. However, when comparing his “bag” to LeBron James’s, the gap is clear. LeBron’s ability to score from anywhere, make every type of pass, and adapt to any role gives him a level of versatility that Giannis has yet to match. While Giannis’s raw power and athleticism are impressive in easy games, his lack of a consistent outside shot and limited playmaking creativity mean his game is less complete. And most importantly his game has not developed and doesn’t deliver when it counts. While LeBron posts career breaking improvements in efficiency at 40, Giannis hits career lows in ft% and 3pt% as well a serious deterioration of his defensive effort.

    LeBron’s all-around mastery, even at 40, sets a standard that few, including Giannis, can rival. As Giannis continues to refine his game, he may close the gap, but for now, LeBron’s bag remains the deeper and more versatile of the two. And it’s not even close.

  • Why Giannis is NOT watching the NBA finals

    Why Giannis is NOT watching the NBA finals

    Thought experiment: watch the next game of the 2025 NBA Finals and imagine either team with Giannis on the floor. What would he do? These teams have showcased the evolution of basketball emphasising speed, versatility, and strategic complexity. Unfortunately, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has appeared increasingly out of place in this type of high-stakes environment. While his athleticism and physical dominance remain undeniable, the Finals have exposed critical flaws in his game that suggest he is not suited for the demands of modern NBA basketball at this level. You can talk rubbish theoretical trade talks all you want but everyone in the NBA knows for a fact that Giannis simply can’t deliver when it counts. Regular season stat padding and breaking crazy records are not NBA playoff basketball.

    Lack of Speed on Both Ends

    The modern NBA prioritizes pace, with teams exploiting transition opportunities and quick defensive rotations. Giannis, despite his freakish athleticism, often appears a step slow in these scenarios. Offensively, his reliance on bulldozing drives to the rim is less effective against Finals-caliber defenses that collapse quickly and force him into crowded paint situations. His 6.9 seconds per touch (among the highest in the playoffs) indicate a deliberate, plodding style that disrupts Milwaukee’s flow in fast-paced games.

    Defensively, Giannis struggles to keep up with the rapid ball movement and off-ball screens that define modern offences. Teams like the Boston Celtics or Dallas Mavericks exploit his slower lateral movement by using guards and wings to pull him out of position, creating open looks from three or easy drives. His Defensive Versatility Index (DVI) this postseason dropped to 0.82, below the league average for big men, highlighting his struggles to switch effectively in high-speed defensive schemes.

    Questionable Basketball IQ

    Basketball IQ is critical in the Finals, where split-second decisions determine outcomes. Giannis, while a phenomenal physical talent, often lacks the instincts needed for elite play making. Not his fault, he started playing ball way too late in life. It’s not something you can add later, it has to be instinctual. His assist-to-turnover ratio in the 2025 playoffs (1.8:1) is among the lowest for primary ball-handlers, reflecting a tendency to force passes or drives without reading the defence. Advanced plays, such as pick-and-roll counters or off-ball movement, seem to elude him. Opponents frequently bait him into predictable patterns, like charging into double-teams, where his decision-making falters.

    For example, in Game 3 of the Finals, Giannis was repeatedly caught hesitating against zone defenses, leading to three shot-clock violations. His inability to quickly process complex coverages limits Milwaukee’s offensive ceiling, especially when compared to players like Luka Dončić or Jayson Tatum, who thrive in reading and exploiting defensive adjustments.

    Inability to Adapt to Advanced Strategies

    The modern NBA demands adaptability, with coaches deploying intricate schemes to outmaneuver opponents. Giannis, however, appears rigid in his approach. His offensive game relies heavily on straight-line drives and post-ups, which are less effective against teams that use analytics-driven defenses to clog driving lanes. According to Synergy Sports, Giannis’s points per possession (PPP) on isolation plays in the Finals dropped to 0.89, well below the 1.05 league average for big men.

    On defence, his inability to adjust to modern switching schemes or communicate effectively in pick-and-roll coverages has been glaring. Opponents exploit this by targeting him in high pick-and-rolls, forcing him to either hedge too far or drop too deep, creating open shots. His lack of engagement in off-ball defensive rotations—often standing flat-footed as shooters relocate—further compounds Milwaukee’s struggles against dynamic offences.

    Ball-Hogging Tendencies

    Giannis’s ball-dominant style stifles the Bucks’ offense in critical moments. He averaged 8.1 seconds per possession with the ball, often holding it without purposeful movement. This slows down teammates like Damian Lillard, who thrive in quicker, more fluid systems. His usage rate (34.2%) is among the highest in the playoffs, yet his efficiency (True Shooting % of 54.1) lags behind other superstars like Nikola Jokić (61.3%). This suggests Giannis is monopolising possessions without generating proportional value, a cardinal sin in the team-oriented modern game.

    Lack of Diverse Skills and Options

    Perhaps the most glaring issue is Giannis’s limited skill set. His jump shot remains unreliable—his three-point percentage in the Finals was a dismal 22.7% on low volume (1.4 attempts per game). Defences sag off him, daring him to shoot, which clogs the paint and limits his driving lanes. Unlike players like Kevin Durant or even Anthony Davis, Giannis lacks a consistent mid-range game or the ability to create off the dribble with finesse. Again, his fans think he has a mid range shot but we have analysed here in depth how this is completely not true. It was a media hype bullshit story in a stretch of easy regular season games. When it mattered, in the playoffs, Giannis has zero mid range. As usual.

    Additionally, his free-throw shooting (64.3% in the playoffs) remains a liability in close games, where opponents intentionally foul him to exploit this weakness. His lack of off-ball movement further limits his versatility; he rarely cuts or relocates effectively, making him predictable and easier to game-plan against.

    Giannis is past his prime and the game has evolved way beyond his skillset

    Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a two-time MVP and a physical marvel, but the 2025 NBA Playoffs have underscored his limitations in the modern game. His lack of speed, questionable basketball IQ, inability to adapt to advanced strategies, ball-hogging tendencies, and limited skill set make it difficult for him to dominate at the highest level against elite competition. While he can still be a cornerstone for the Bucks, Milwaukee may need to retool its system—or Giannis must evolve significantly—to compete in the increasingly sophisticated landscape of the NBA. The Finals have made it clearer than ever: raw athleticism alone is no longer enough and Giannis was extremely lucky to get a ring while he could that year.

  • Why Giannis Struggles in Clutch Situations

    Why Giannis Struggles in Clutch Situations

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak,” is a two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and NBA champion. However, when the game is on the line—those critical “clutch” moments in the final minutes of a close game—Giannis has often been criticised for underperforming. His fans keep talking about that (one) 50 point performance. But they choose to ignore the true story.

    Defining Clutch Situations

    For clarity, “clutch” situations in this context refer to the last five minutes of a game (including overtime) where the score is within five points. This is a standard metric used by NBA analysts to evaluate performance under pressure. While Giannis excels in many facets of the game, his clutch-time performance has drawn scrutiny, particularly in high-stakes playoff games.

    The Numbers: Giannis in the Clutch

    To understand Giannis’ clutch performance, let’s look at some statistics. According to NBA.com’s advanced stats for the 2023-24 season, Giannis’ clutch-time performance reveals some concerning trends:

    • Field Goal Percentage (FG%): In clutch situations, Giannis shot 42.3% from the field, significantly lower than his season average of 61.1%. His efficiency drops when defenses tighten up.
    • Free Throw Shooting: Giannis’ free throw percentage in clutch moments was a dismal 58.7%, compared to his season average of 65.7%. This is particularly problematic since he often gets to the line in high-pressure situations.
    • Turnovers: Giannis averaged 1.2 turnovers per clutch game, a higher rate than his overall 3.4 turnovers per game, suggesting he struggles with decision-making under pressure.
    • Usage Rate: Giannis had a clutch usage rate of 38.2%, meaning he’s heavily involved in the Bucks’ offense during these moments, but his efficiency doesn’t match his volume.

    In the playoffs, these issues become magnified. For example, in the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat, Giannis shot 2-for-7 (28.6%) in clutch situations and missed several key free throws, contributing to Milwaukee’s first-round exit. Over his playoff career, his clutch FG% sits at 39.8%, and his free throw percentage drops to 55.4%.

    Why Does Giannis Struggle in the Clutch?

    Several factors contribute to Giannis’ challenges in high-pressure situations. Let’s break them down:

    1. Limited Jump Shooting

    Giannis is a force in the paint, using his length and athleticism to dominate around the rim. However, his lack of a reliable jump shot—particularly from mid-range or beyond the arc—becomes a liability in clutch moments. Defenses often sag off him, daring him to shoot from outside. In the 2023-24 season, Giannis shot just 27.4% from three-point range and 34.1% on mid-range jumpers. In clutch situations, when defenses pack the paint or build a “wall” (a strategy popularized by the Toronto Raptors in 2019), Giannis struggles to create clean looks.

    2. Free Throw Woes

    Giannis’ free throw shooting has long been a weak point. His unorthodox, lengthy free throw routine (often exceeding the 10-second limit) seems to falter under pressure. In clutch situations, opponents frequently employ a “Hack-a-Giannis” strategy, fouling him intentionally to exploit his poor free throw shooting. Missing free throws in tight games not only costs points but also saps momentum and confidence.

    3. Decision-Making Under Pressure

    While Giannis is an excellent playmaker, averaging 5.9 assists per game in 2023-24, his decision-making in clutch moments can be erratic. He often forces drives into crowded defenses, leading to turnovers or low-percentage shots. In high-pressure situations, his tendency to over-penetrate rather than kick out to open teammates (like Damian Lillard or Khris Middleton) can stall the Bucks’ offense. For example, in Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Finals, Giannis had two turnovers in the final two minutes, nearly costing Milwaukee a pivotal game.

    4. Defensive Attention

    In clutch situations, opponents can focus their entire defensive scheme on stopping Giannis. Double-teams, triple-teams, and zone defenses are common, as teams are less concerned about role players in these moments. While Giannis is adept at handling double-teams in the regular season, the intensity of playoff defenses—combined with his limited outside shooting—makes it harder for him to find space.

    5. Lack of a Go-To Move

    Unlike clutch performers like Kevin Durant (pull-up jumper), Damian Lillard (deep three), or LeBron James (versatile scoring and playmaking), Giannis lacks a singular, reliable move in crunch time. His game is built on physicality and transition opportunities, but in half-court, high-pressure situations, he often resorts to bulldozing drives that are easier to defend when the game slows down.

    Playoff Case Studies

    Let’s examine two playoff series that underscore Giannis’ clutch struggles:

    2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. Miami Heat

    In this series, the Heat’s zone defense and physicality flustered Giannis. In Game 4, with the Bucks trailing by 3 in the final minute, Giannis missed two free throws and turned the ball over on a forced drive, sealing Miami’s victory. He shot 1-for-5 in clutch situations across the series, with three turnovers.

    2023 First Round vs. Miami Heat

    Despite a heroic 38-point performance in Game 4, Giannis’ clutch miscues were costly. In the final minute of a tied game, he missed a contested layup and went 0-for-2 from the free throw line, allowing Miami to pull ahead. His clutch FG% in the series was 28.6%, and he missed 7 of 12 free throws in clutch moments.

    How Can Giannis Improve?

    For Giannis to become a more reliable clutch performer, several adjustments could help:

    1. Develop a Jump Shot: Even a consistent mid-range jumper would force defenses to respect his outside game, opening up driving lanes.
    2. Improve Free Throw Shooting: Simplifying his routine and practicing under pressure could boost his confidence at the line.
    3. Better Decision-Making: Giannis should trust his teammates more in clutch moments, especially shooters like Lillard and Middleton.
    4. Work on a Go-To Move: Developing a reliable fadeaway or post move could give him a fallback option when drives are cut off.

    Giannis ain’t clutch and probably never will be

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s clutch-time struggles are a notable blemish which effectively make him useless for a team chasing a championship. Worse than useless, he is a liability. His lack of a jump shot, poor free throw shooting, and questionable decision-making in high-pressure moments have cost the Bucks in key games, particularly in the playoffs. He has rarely shown flashes of clutch ability, consistency remains elusive. With targeted improvements, Giannis could perhaps at least become less of a liability for his team. For now, though, the “Greek Freak” will keep hiding behind his team mates and pretending there is no problem.

    All statistics are sourced from NBA.com and Basketball-Reference for the 2023-24 season and prior playoff performances.

  • Siakam vs Giannis: 2 finals appearances vs 1

    Siakam vs Giannis: 2 finals appearances vs 1

    1. Three-Point Shooting:
    • Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam is a significantly better three-point shooter than Giannis. In the 2024-25 season, Siakam shot 41.3% from three on moderate volume (around 2-3 attempts per game), showcasing his ability to stretch the floor. His career three-point percentage is around 34%, with steady improvement.
    • Giannis’s Context: Giannis has struggled with his outside shooting, with a career three-point percentage around 29% and often shooting below 20% in recent seasons (e.g., 0.00% in one month cited). His lack of a reliable jumper limits his spacing ability.
    • Impact: Siakam’s shooting makes him a more versatile offensive threat in certain lineups, as defenses must respect his range, whereas Giannis is often dared to shoot from deep.
    1. Mid-Range Scoring:
    • Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam has developed a polished mid-range game, particularly with pull-up jumpers and turnaround shots. Analytics from BBall-Index give him an “A” grade for Midrange Pull Up Talent, and he’s effective in isolation, averaging high isolation points per game. His ability to attack off the dribble, reject screens, and hit mid-range shots gives him an edge in half-court sets.
    • Giannis’s Context: Giannis relies heavily on his dominance in the paint (0-3 feet range), where he’s elite, but his mid-range game is less refined. He’s less comfortable with pull-up jumpers or creating space off the dribble outside the restricted area.
    • Impact: Siakam’s mid-range versatility allows him to exploit defenses that sag off or switch, making him a more complete scorer in varied offensive schemes.
    1. Offensive Versatility in Playoff Scenarios:
    • Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam has shown he can adapt his scoring approach based on defensive schemes, using a mix of post-ups, face-ups, and perimeter shots. In the 2024 playoffs, he dropped 37 points on 16-of-23 shooting against the Bucks, showcasing his ability to dominate in multiple ways (mid-range, drives, and lobs). His playoff career-high 39 points in 2025 further highlights his clutch scoring versatility.
    • Giannis’s Context: Giannis is a force in transition and paint scoring, but defenses often build a “wall” to limit his drives, daring him to shoot. His offensive game, while dominant, is less varied, relying on physicality and playmaking over shooting.
    • Impact: Siakam’s ability to score from multiple levels makes him harder to game-plan against in certain matchups, especially when defenses collapse on primary ball-handlers.
    1. Defensive Versatility Against Smaller Players:
    • Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam’s agility and length (6’8”, 245 lbs) allow him to effectively guard smaller, quicker players, including point guards, in addition to power forwards and centers. His defensive motor and ability to switch across positions were noted early in his career, earning praise from coaches like Dwane Casey.
    • Giannis’s Context: Giannis (6’11”, 243 lbs) is an elite defender, capable of guarding 1-5, with a DPOY award to his name. However, his size can make him slightly less agile against quick guards compared to Siakam, who has a lower center of gravity and quicker lateral movement.
    • Impact: Siakam’s ability to lock down smaller players gives him a slight edge in switch-heavy defensive schemes, though Giannis’s rim protection and overall defensive impact are superior.
    1. Durability and Availability:
    • Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam has been remarkably durable, rarely missing games since joining the Pacers. In the 2024-25 season, he was noted for not missing a game, providing consistency for Indiana. His ability to stay on the court has been critical, especially during injury-plagued stretches for teammates.
    • Giannis’s Context: Giannis has faced injury concerns, particularly in the playoffs. He missed games in the 2024 playoffs due to a calf strain, and his availability has been uncertain at times (e.g., a left soleus strain).
    • Impact: Siakam’s reliability ensures he’s a consistent contributor, which is valuable for teams needing a steady presence, though Giannis’s impact when healthy is unmatched.
    1. Clutch Performance as a Secondary Option:
    • Siakam’s Advantage: Siakam thrives as a second option, as seen with the Pacers alongside Tyrese Haliburton. His ability to deliver in clutch moments without needing primary usage (e.g., 37 points in Game 2 vs. Bucks in 2024) makes him a perfect complementary star. He’s efficient in high-pressure situations, like his 8-0 run in the fourth quarter to seal a playoff win.
    • Giannis’s Context: Giannis is a primary option, often carrying the Bucks’ offence. While he’s not clutch in his own right, his high usage can lead to fatigue, and he’s less effective as a secondary option due to his limited shooting.
    • Impact: Siakam’s ability to shine without demanding the ball makes him a better fit in certain team constructs, particularly as a co-star.

    Contextual Notes

    • Head-to-Head: Siakam has a 14-12 record against Giannis in 26 games, including 4-2 in playoffs, suggesting he can hold his own in matchups.
    • Role and Fit: Siakam’s ability to fit into various systems (e.g., as a secondary option with the Pacers or primary with the Raptors) gives him an edge in adaptability, while Giannis is a system-defining superstar.

    Conclusion

    Pascal Siakam is better than Giannis Antetokounmpo in three-point shooting, mid-range scoring, defensive versatility against smaller players, durability, and thriving as a secondary option in clutch moments. These strengths make Siakam a more versatile offensive player and a reliable, adaptable star. Siakam’s edges are specific but significant, particularly for teams needing a well-rounded, durable forward who can score efficiently from multiple ranges.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Tim Duncan: A Comparative Analysis

    Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Tim Duncan: A Comparative Analysis

    When discussing the greatest power forwards in NBA history, Tim Duncan’s name is often at the forefront, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is a modern superstar probably past his prime now. Both players have left indelible marks on the game, but a detailed comparison reveals stark differences in their playing styles, team success, and overall legacy.

    Career Overview

    Tim Duncan

    Tim Duncan, known as “The Big Fundamental,” played his entire 19-year career (1997–2016) with the San Antonio Spurs. A model of consistency, Duncan led the Spurs to five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), earning three Finals MVP awards and two regular-season MVPs. His accolades include 15 All-Star appearances, 15 All-NBA selections, and 15 All-Defensive team honors. Duncan’s game was built on efficiency, fundamentals, and selflessness, anchoring a Spurs dynasty that thrived on team play.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak,” has played for the Milwaukee Bucks since 2013. His freakish athleticism and versatility have earned him two MVP awards (2019, 2020), a Defensive Player of the Year award (2020), and an NBA championship in 2021, where he was named Finals MVP. With eight All-Star appearances and seven All-NBA selections, Giannis is a dominant force. However, his game is often critiqued for its reliance on physicality and less polished fundamentals, raising questions about whether his stats reflect team success or individual dominance. Furthermore other than one ring which could well be attributed to his supporting roster, he has only gone downhill since.

    Statistical Comparison

    To compare the two, let’s examine their career averages (per game) as of the 2024–25 season for Giannis and Duncan’s career end in 2016, using data from Basketball-Reference.

    PlayerPPGRPGAPGSPGBPGFG%3P%FT%TS%PER
    Tim Duncan19.010.83.00.72.250.6%17.9%69.6%55.1%24.2
    Giannis Antetokounmpo23.49.84.91.11.254.5%28.6%68.8%58.6%23.8

    Scoring

    Giannis averages more points per game (23.4 vs. 19.0), but this comes with higher usage (28.8% vs. Duncan’s 25.6%). Giannis’s scoring often relies on driving to the basket, leveraging his athleticism, but his efficiency wanes in the playoffs (55.3% TS% vs. Duncan’s 55.8%). Duncan’s scoring was more deliberate, using post moves and mid-range shots, which scaled better in high-stakes games.

    Rebounding and Defense

    Duncan was a superior rebounder (10.8 RPG vs. 9.8) and shot-blocker (2.2 BPG vs. 1.2), anchoring San Antonio’s elite defenses. Giannis’s Defensive Player of the Year award highlights his versatility, but his defensive impact is less consistent due to freelancing for highlight plays. Duncan’s 15 All-Defensive selections dwarf Giannis’s five, underscoring Duncan’s sustained defensive excellence.

    Playmaking

    Giannis’s 4.9 assists per game outpace Duncan’s 3.0, reflecting his role as a primary ball-handler. However, Duncan’s assists came within a system emphasizing ball movement, while Giannis’s higher assist numbers often stem from initiating offense, sometimes at the expense of team flow.

    Efficiency

    Giannis’s true shooting percentage (58.6%) edges out Duncan’s (55.1%), but Duncan played in an era with lower offensive efficiency league-wide. Giannis’s reliance on free throws (8.3 attempts per game vs. Duncan’s 5.6) inflates his scoring but highlights a weakness: his poor free-throw shooting (68.8%) compared to Duncan’s (69.6%) often hurts his team in clutch moments.

    Playstyle Analysis

    Tim Duncan: The selfless anchor

    Duncan’s game was a masterclass in fundamentals. His post play, bank shots, and defensive positioning were textbook. He thrived in Gregg Popovich’s system, prioritizing team success over individual stats. Duncan rarely chased numbers, evident in his low turnover rate (2.4 per game) and willingness to defer to teammates like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. His leadership fostered a culture that sustained San Antonio’s dominance across two decades.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo: The athletic force

    Giannis’s game is defined by explosive drives, dunks, and transition play. His physical gifts allow him to dominate, but critics argue he stat-pads by hunting easy baskets and free throws. His high usage rate (28.8%) suggests a ball-dominant style that can disrupt team rhythm, especially when his three-point shooting (28.6%) and free-throw struggles become liabilities. In the 2021 playoffs, Giannis’s 35-point, 13-rebound Finals average was historic, but his 61.3% TS% was inflated by easy buckets, and his team relied heavily on Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday for clutch moments.

    Team Success

    Championships

    Duncan’s five championships to Giannis’s one is a significant gap. Duncan’s Spurs were perennial contenders, reaching the playoffs every year of his career and winning titles across three different decades. Giannis’s 2021 title was a monumental achievement, but the Bucks have struggled to replicate that success, with early playoff exits in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Duncan’s teams never missed the postseason, while Giannis’s Bucks missed in 2016 and were inconsistent early in his career.

    Playoff Performance

    Duncan’s playoff numbers (20.6 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 50.1% FG) remained consistent with his regular-season output, reflecting his ability to perform under pressure. Giannis’s playoff stats (26.6 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 53.7% FG) are impressive but drop in efficiency (55.3% TS% vs. 58.6% regular season), particularly when defenses wall off the paint. Duncan’s versatility allowed him to adapt, while Giannis’s limited shooting range makes him more predictable in high-stakes games.

    Supporting Cast

    Duncan played alongside Hall of Famers like David Robinson, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, but his leadership elevated lesser talents like Danny Green and Boris Diaw. Giannis has had All-Stars like Middleton and Holiday, yet the Bucks’ success hinges on his individual dominance, suggesting less ability to elevate teammates. Duncan’s Spurs won 50+ games in 17 of his 19 seasons; Giannis’s Bucks have hit that mark only five times.

    The Stat-Padding and Selfishness Critique

    Giannis’s critics point to his high usage and tendency to dominate the ball as evidence of selfish play. His 7.3 free-throw attempts per game in the regular season (and 9.8 in the playoffs) suggest a reliance on drawing fouls, which can slow the game and disrupt team flow. In contrast, Duncan’s low-usage, high-efficiency style complemented his teammates, as seen in the Spurs’ 2014 “beautiful game” offense, which prioritized ball movement over individual heroics.

    Giannis’s stat lines are often eye-popping (e.g., 30 points, 12 rebounds), but games like his 44-point, 14-rebound performance against the Nets in 2021 included inefficient 14-of-26 shooting and five turnovers, raising questions about stat-padding in losses. Duncan’s quieter 20-point, 10-rebound games were often more impactful, with fewer mistakes (career 2.4 turnovers per game vs. Giannis’s 3.2).

    Legacy and Impact

    Duncan’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest winners in NBA history. His five rings, three Finals MVPs, and 19 years of consistency place him among legends like Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His selfless play and adaptability made him the cornerstone of a dynasty. Giannis, at 30 years old in 2025, has time to build his legacy, but his one championship and inconsistent playoff runs pale in comparison. His individual accolades (two MVPs, DPOY) are impressive, but they don’t yet translate to Duncan’s sustained team success.

    It’s not even close

    While Giannis Antetokounmpo has unmatched athleticism but Tim Duncan’s career surpasses him in nearly every meaningful metric: championships, consistency, efficiency, and team-oriented play. Giannis’s style, while dominant, leans on physicality and can appear selfish, with high usage and free-throw attempts inflating his stats. Duncan’s fundamental, selfless approach led to five titles and a dynasty, making him the clear superior player. Giannis has years to close the gap, but as of 2025, he remains a tier below the Big Fundamental.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Loss to Tristan Jass in MrBeast’s $100K Challenge Exposes Key Weaknesses

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Loss to Tristan Jass in MrBeast’s $100K Challenge Exposes Key Weaknesses

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar and two-time NBA MVP, is known for his athleticism and rim-rattling dunks. However, a recent $100,000 MrBeast shooting challenge pitted him against street ball sensation and YouTube star Tristan Jass, and the results were shocking. The challenge highlighted critical weaknesses in Giannis’ game that have long been debated by fans and analysts.

    The Challenge Setup

    The MrBeast challenge was a head-to-head shooting competition designed to test precision under pressure. The tasks included:

    • Free throws: A test of consistency from the charity stripe.
    • Three-pointers: A measure of long-range shooting ability.
    • Half-court shots: A high-risk, high-reward challenge requiring both skill and a bit of luck.

    Tristan Jass, a content creator with a massive following for his streetball highlights and deadly shooting, was a formidable opponent. While Giannis is a global basketball icon, Jass’s specialized skill set in shooting made this a tougher matchup than it might have seemed. The $100,000 prize added pressure, and as X user @____Shemar noted, “No way Mr. Beast possibly thought Giannis was making a FT, 3 pointer, and half court shot before Tjass … easiest $100k Tjass ever made 😂”.

    1. Free-Throw Shooting Woes

    The free-throw portion of the challenge was a predictable stumbling block for Giannis. His career free-throw percentage hovers around 65-70%, with a 2024-25 season average of approximately 68%. In high-pressure situations, his performance at the line often dips further, as seen in playoff games where opponents employ a “Hack-a-Giannis” strategy to exploit this weakness.

    In the MrBeast challenge, Giannis struggled to find a rhythm, missing several free throws in a row. His lengthy free-throw routine—often taking 10+ seconds—may have been disrupted by the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the challenge. Fans remarked on the predictability of this outcome, with @Lester_O3 noting that someone won $100,000 by outshooting Giannis. Jass, known for his consistency in shooting drills, likely capitalised on this, hitting his free throws with ease.

    Giannis’ free-throw struggles stem from mechanical issues (a hitch in his release and inconsistent wrist snap) and mental pressure. In the challenge, the added spotlight of a MrBeast production, with cameras and a live audience, likely amplified his tendency to overthink at the line.

    Takeaway: Giannis needs to streamline his free-throw routine and practice under pressure to boost his consistency. Hitting 75-80% from the line would not only have helped in this challenge but could deter opponents from fouling him intentionally in NBA games. He is in fact worse than ever in his career in free throws this season!

    2. Inconsistent Three-Point Shooting

    The three-point shooting segment was another area where Giannis fell short. His NBA three-point percentage in the 2024-25 season is around 20-25% on low volume (1-2 attempts per game), a far cry from Jass’s sharpshooting prowess. Jass, who regularly showcases deep threes and trick shots on YouTube, thrives in these scenarios, while Giannis’ jump shot remains a work in progress.

    In the challenge, Giannis reportedly missed most of his three-point attempts, unable to match Jass’s precision. His shooting form—marked by a slow release and occasional inconsistency in footwork—makes long-range shooting a liability. NBA defenses often sag off Giannis, daring him to shoot from deep, as seen in playoff series like the 2023 loss to the Miami Heat, where his 1-for-10 three-point shooting in the series was a glaring weakness.

    The MrBeast challenge exposed this gap starkly. While Giannis relies on his athleticism to dominate inside, Jass’s specialized shooting skill set gave him a clear edge in a contest focused on perimeter accuracy.

    Takeaway: Giannis would benefit from dedicated three-point training to reach at least a league-average 35% from deep. This would force defenses to respect his range, opening up his drives to the basket and making him a more complete offensive threat. Three points this season he not only shot worse than ever in his career but almost worse than anyone, ever, in NBA history for a single season!

    3. Half-Court Shot Struggles

    The half-court shot portion of the challenge was the final nail in the coffin. Half-court shots are inherently low-percentage, relying on a mix of skill, luck, and confidence. Jass, with his reputation for hitting long-range bombs in his videos, likely approached this with a shooter’s mentality. Giannis, on the other hand, rarely attempts such shots in NBA games, and his mechanics from that distance are unrefined.

    Giannis’ attempts fell short or missed wide, while Jass connected to seal the victory.

    Takeaway: While half-court shots are a niche skill, improving his overall shooting mechanics could give Giannis a better chance in such scenarios. Practising long-range shots in low-stakes settings might also build confidence for rare game situations. But if anything Giannis is worse than ever in clutch situations which is why Doc Rivers now keeps him out of the game in the 4th quarter as much as possible. We saw against the Pacers how terrible he can be for his team under pressure.

    4. Pressure in Non-NBA Settings

    Beyond specific skills, the challenge highlighted Giannis’ discomfort in non-traditional basketball settings. NBA games allow him to leverage his physicality, defensive prowess, and transition dominance, but the MrBeast challenge was a pure shooting contest with no room for his usual strengths. The high-pressure environment, with a $100,000 prize and a YouTube audience, may have thrown Giannis off his game, as he’s accustomed to structured NBA settings rather than impromptu streetball-style competitions.

    Jass, a content creator who thrives in these viral, high-energy formats, was in his element. Giannis’ struggles suggest that his mental focus, while elite in NBA contexts, may not translate as well to unconventional challenges where his athletic advantages are neutralized.

    Takeaway: Giannis could benefit from participating in more casual, high-pressure shooting contests to build adaptability. This would also help him handle the mental demands of clutch shooting moments in playoff games. Most of all though the NBA is about the show. And Giannis simply doesn’t deliver which is why he doesn’t bring in TV ratings.

    What This Means for Giannis

    The MrBeast challenge underscores areas where he lags behind specialists like Jass and, by extension, NBA sharpshooters in the league. To elevate his game, Giannis could:

    • Work with a shooting coach to refine his free-throw and three-point mechanics, aiming for incremental improvements (e.g., 75% free throws, 35% threes).
    • Practice under pressure in non-NBA settings to build mental resilience for high-stakes shooting.
    • Study film of sharpshooters to adopt techniques that complement his physical gifts.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s loss to Tristan Jass in MrBeast’s $100,000 shooting challenge was a revealing moment. It exposed his well-known struggles with free throws, three-point shooting, and long-range accuracy, amplified by the pressure of a viral, high-stakes competition. For fans, the challenge was a fun spectacle that pitted an NBA giant against a street ball sharpshooter. For Giannis, it’s a wake-up call to address weaknesses that could make the difference in future playoff runs. As he continues past his prime now at age 30, the Greek Freak has the work ethic and drive. But can he turn these flaws into strengths? After more than a decade in the league and with so many different coaches that have tried to help him, the answer is probably no.

  • Has Giannis Really Played All Five Positions?

    Has Giannis Really Played All Five Positions?

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s unique combination of size, speed, and skill has led to a persistent narrative: Giannis has played all five positions. This claim gets tossed around in highlight reels, podcasts, and casual fan debates, but how much truth is there to it? He relies heavily on drives, can’t even shoot free throws to save his life, has almost zero play making skills, has completely given up trying from 3pt land, terrible off the ball, rarely cutting or setting screens to create space, his post game lacks refined footwork or go-to moves. Let’s face it. He ain’t gonna improve either. Defence? Even worse limitations! Giannis struggles to stay in front of smaller, quicker guards on the perimeter due to his size and lateral quickness limitations, making him less effective in switch-heavy schemes against certain match ups. His aggressive help defence leads to overcommitting, leaving shooters open or creating gaps in the Bucks’ defensive rotations. He often gets caught on screens, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, where his recovery speed doesn’t always match his rim-protecting instincts. And of course against sharp-shooting teams, his closeouts on three-point shooters are abysmally slow.

    Defining the Five Positions

    To evaluate this claim, we first need to define what we mean by “playing all five positions.” In traditional basketball, the five positions are:

    1. Point Guard (PG): The primary ball-handler, playmaker, and floor general, responsible for initiating the offense and distributing the ball.
    2. Shooting Guard (SG): Typically a perimeter-oriented player focused on scoring, often via outside shooting or driving.
    3. Small Forward (SF): A versatile wing player who balances scoring, defense, and sometimes playmaking.
    4. Power Forward (PF): A frontcourt player who combines physicality, rebounding, and scoring, often in the post or mid-range.
    5. Center (C): The anchor of the paint, responsible for rim protection, rebounding, and scoring close to the basket.

    In today’s NBA, the lines between these positions have blurred, with “positionless” players like Giannis thriving in multiple roles. But for Giannis to have “played all five positions,” he would need to have meaningfully performed the primary responsibilities of each role in actual NBA games, either as a starter or in specific stints.

    Giannis’s Positional Journey

    Giannis, at 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan, entered the NBA in 2013 as a lanky, raw prospect with the Milwaukee Bucks. Over the years, his role has evolved significantly, which fuels the myth of his five-position versatility. Let’s examine his career arc and the positions he’s actually played.

    Small Forward: His Natural Starting Point

    When Giannis debuted, the Bucks listed him as a small forward. His early role leaned heavily on his athleticism, with responsibilities including:

    • Transition scoring
    • Slashing to the basket
    • Perimeter defense against wings

    This is the position where Giannis spent the bulk of his early career (2013–2016). His lanky frame and guard-like agility made him a prototypical modern small forward, capable of guarding multiple positions and running the floor. Official NBA tracking data from Basketball-Reference lists him as a small forward for his first three seasons, and this aligns with his on-court role under coaches like Jason Kidd.

    Power Forward: The Modern Role

    As Giannis bulked up and developed his game, the Bucks shifted him to power forward, especially under coach Mike Budenholzer starting in 2018. This is where Giannis has thrived most, leveraging his size and skill to:

    • Attack mismatches in the post
    • Serve as a help defender and rim protector
    • Grab rebounds and initiate fast breaks

    His dominance as a power forward earned him back-to-back MVPs (2019, 2020) and a Finals MVP in 2021. NBA tracking data confirms that Giannis has played the majority of his minutes at the 4 (power forward) in recent seasons, with advanced lineup data from Cleaning the Glass showing him logging over 70% of his minutes at power forward from 2018 to 2023.

    Center: Occasional Stints

    Giannis has also played center, particularly in small-ball lineups. The Bucks have used him at the 5 in specific situations, such as:

    • When Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis is off the floor
    • In playoff matchups against smaller teams (e.g., the 2021 Nets series)
    • During “death lineup” configurations to maximize spacing and speed

    According to NBA.com’s lineup data, Giannis has spent roughly 10–15% of his minutes at center in recent seasons, often in crunch time or against teams lacking a traditional big. In these stints, he handles rim protection, rebounding, and even some pick-and-roll defense. However, he’s rarely the primary center for extended periods, as Milwaukee prefers Lopez’s floor-spacing and rim protection for most minutes.

    The Guard Positions: Where the Myth Stumbles

    Here’s where the “all five positions” claim starts to fray. While Giannis’s ball-handling and playmaking have improved dramatically—he averaged 5.6 assists per game in the 2022–23 season and often initiates Milwaukee’s offense—the idea that he’s played point guard or shooting guard in a meaningful way doesn’t hold up.

    Point Guard: The “Point Giannis” Hype

    The “Point Giannis” narrative took off in 2016 when Jason Kidd famously called Giannis the Bucks’ point guard. That season, Giannis’s usage as a ball-handler increased, and he ran more pick-and-rolls and transition plays. But calling him a point guard was more about hype than reality. Here’s why:

    • Role vs. Position: Giannis brought the ball up and initiated offense, but he wasn’t guarding opposing point guards like Damian Lillard or Chris Paul. His defensive assignments remained wings and forwards.
    • Box Score Evidence: Basketball-Reference and NBA.com still listed him as a forward, and his minutes at the 1 were negligible (less than 5% per Cleaning the Glass).
    • Playstyle: Giannis’s playmaking often came from the high post or after grabbing defensive rebounds, not from running a traditional point guard’s half-court offense.

    While Giannis has point guard skills—dribbling, passing, and vision—he hasn’t played the point guard position in the way players like Jrue Holiday or Damian Lillard have done for Milwaukee.

    Shooting Guard: The Weakest Link

    The claim that Giannis has played shooting guard is even shakier. Shooting guards in the modern NBA (e.g., Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell) are typically perimeter scorers who rely on outside shooting and off-ball movement. Giannis, by contrast:

    • Shoots sparingly from three (career 28.6% from three as of 2025)
    • Rarely plays off-ball as a catch-and-shoot threat
    • Doesn’t guard opposing shooting guards like Bradley Beal or Zach LaVine. (And if he does it kills his team as per Tyrese blowing by him multiple times in clutch time in these playoffs…)

    Lineup data shows no significant minutes logged at the 2. His role has never resembled that of a shooting guard, even in small-ball lineups where he’s more likely to slide to center than guard a perimeter scorer.

    Why the Myth Persists

    So why does the “all five positions” narrative stick? Several factors contribute:

    1. Positionless Basketball: The NBA’s shift toward positionless play blurs traditional roles. Giannis’s ability to handle, pass, score, and defend multiple players makes him seem like he could play any position, even if he doesn’t.
    2. Highlight Plays: Viral clips of Giannis dribbling past guards or switching onto point guards in crunch time fuel the perception of him as a five-position player.
    3. Coach and Media Hype: Comments like Jason Kidd’s “point guard” label and media narratives about Giannis’s versatility amplify the myth without rigorous analysis.
    4. Fan Imagination: Giannis’s freakish athleticism invites fans to imagine him dominating any role, even ones he hasn’t played.

    The Reality: Giannis Is not a Versatile Forward

    Giannis has undeniably played three positions—small forward, power forward, and centre—with significant minutes and impact. He hasn’t logged meaningful time as a point guard or shooting guard, nor has he performed their primary duties (e.g., running a half-court offence or playing as an off-ball shooter).

    Advanced metrics support this. According to Defensive Player Versatility Index (DVPI) from 2023, Giannis ranks among the top forwards in guarding multiple positions, but his matchups are predominantly against wings and bigs, not guards. Offensively, his usage rate (around 32% in recent seasons) reflects a forward’s role, not a guard’s.

    So it’s not true, yet another Giannis hype myth

    The myth that Giannis Antetokounmpo has played all five positions doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. He lacks the flexibility to play point guard and shooting guard in a traditional sense. While he has guard-like skills (ball-handling, play making), he doesn’t run a half-court offence like a point guard or play off-ball as a perimeter shooter like a shooting guard. His defensive assignments rarely include guarding opposing guards, and lineup data shows negligible minutes at these positions Next time you hear someone claim Giannis has played all five positions, ask for the game tape. Chances are, they’re just caught up in the legend of the Greek Freak.

    Sources

    • Basketball-Reference.com for positional data and career stats
    • NBA.com for lineup and tracking data
    • Cleaning the Glass for advanced positional breakdowns
    • ESPN and The Athletic for historical context on Giannis’s role evolution