Giannis with 40 means nothing

On paper, Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped another monster stat line—40 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, nearly a triple-double with 2 steals and 2 blocks to boot. He shot an absurd 70% from the field (14-20 FG) and was basically a walking highlight reel. Stats don’t tell the whole story. Last night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, amid a shorthanded roster (no Kevin Porter Jr., Cole Anthony, or Kyle Kuzma), Giannis performance had some cracks that the Cavs exploited like a leaky defense in pickup ball.

The Shooting Splits: Efficient, But Not Elite

Giannis finished 14-of-20 from the field, which sounds like vintage Freak mode. But peel back the layers: That efficiency was built on paint dominance (think drives and putbacks), not the all-around threat we saw in his prime. He went 1-of-1 from deep—cool, but one attempt? In a game where Cleveland’s perimeter defense sagged off him just enough to dare a jumper, he didn’t test them. Last season, he averaged over 2 three-point attempts per game; here, it was a measly one. The Cavs packed the lane with Evan Mobley (23 points, 8 boards) and Jarrett Allen, forcing Giannis into that 11-of-16 free-throw line trip. Solid? Sure. But 69% from the stripe (11-16) isn’t closing territory—those five misses at the line were daggers in a five-point defeat.

And don’t get me started on true shooting percentage. At 74%, it’s good, but in a high-volume night like this, you’d want north of 80% to drag a depleted Bucks squad over the finish line. Donovan Mitchell (24 points, including 10 in the clutch fourth) and Sam Merrill (17 off the bench, tying Giannis for game-high at halftime) feasted because Giannis couldn’t stretch the floor. He again had 0/2 from mid range, exactly like previous two games of the season. Pathetic and it’s killing his team.

Rebounding: Volume Without Victory

Fourteen boards? That’s Giannis being Giannis—aggressive, physical, snatching every loose ball like it’s his birthright. But here’s the rub: The Bucks got out-rebounded 51-44 overall, with Cleveland grabbing seven more on the offensive glass for second-chance points that proved fatal. Giannis had the volume, but where were the contested boards against Mobley, who boxed him out masterfully? Midway through the third, the Cavs led the rebound battle 30-17 while up by 16. Milwaukee clawed back to tie it late, but those early misses on the glass let Cleveland build a cushion Giannis spent the whole second half erasing… only for it to slip away.

It’s like having the biggest hammer in the toolbox but forgetting the nails. The Bucks needed team rebounding to fuel transition buckets, but with Giannis logging heavy minutes (likely 38+), fatigue crept in.

Playmaking: Assists Galore, But Turnovers Tell a Different Tale

Nine dimes? Chef’s kiss. Giannis orchestrated like a maestro, finding cutters and kick-outs that kept Milwaukee in it during their third-quarter surge (they outscored Cleveland 34-24 to cut an 18-point deficit). But—and this is a big but—the Bucks coughed up 18 turnovers, leading to 24 Cleveland points. Giannis isn’t blameless here; in a game where ball-handling was thin without Porter and Anthony, he forced a few drives into traffic, resulting in live-ball turnovers that Mobley and Co. turned into fast breaks.

Remember that stretch in the second quarter where the Cavs ballooned their lead to 11 at half? A handful of those came off Milwaukee’s sloppiness, with Giannis’s aggressive style (love it, but risky) contributing. Cleveland had 10 steals—Lonzo Ball snagged a couple off high screens—and turned them into easy buckets. Assists are flashy, but in a one-possession game, those extra possessions killed the Bucks.

The Intangibles: Fatigue, Fouls, and Fourth-Quarter Fade

Giannis was probable with a toe sprain coming in, and you could see it in the fourth: He carried the load, scoring 12 of Milwaukee’s final 20, but the Bucks went ice-cold around him. With the game tied at 98, Cleveland ripped off a 7-0 run—Hunter’s step-back, Ball’s dagger three, Mitchell’s mid-ranger—and Giannis couldn’t buy a bucket in the final two minutes. He split free throws with 1:01 left to make it 112-107, but by then, the legs were gone.

Fouls, too: Giannis picked up his fourth late, limiting his aggression. And let’s be real—the Cavs were shorthanded too (no Darius Garland or Max Strus), yet their depth shone. Four guys in double figures (Mitchell, Mobley, Merrill, De’Andre Hunter at 17), while Milwaukee leaned hard on Giannis. Gary Trent Jr. added 19, but no one else cracked 15. It’s superstar isolation at its finest… and most frustrating.

Averaging 36 points, 16 boards, and 7 assists on 68% shooting to start the season? But he is not helping the team. Look at the plus minus box. In a league where balanced rosters (shoutout to Cleveland’s committee approach) beat top-heavy ones, Giannis’ way of playing masked systemic issues: injuries, turnovers, poor rebounding team-wide, and a lack of spacing that let the Cavs collapse without fear.

This loss stings because it was winnable—Bucks shot 50.6% to Cleveland’s 44.8%, but free throws (Cavs +8) and boards sealed it. Giannis was again non existent from mid range and terrible at free throws. Anyway you look at it, this is NOT a boxscore to be proud of.

October 27, 2025

“I did it the right way” – how giannis threw his team under the bus

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rhetoric about “winning the right way”—both in his immediate post-championship comments and in his conversation with Dwyane Wade at the All-Star Game—has often been presented as a humblebrag or a statement on competitive integrity. But peeling back the public applause, these statements reveal a deep undercurrent of individualism that, whether intentional or not, throws serious shade at the teammates and organization that propelled him to NBA stardom.

””It’s easy to go somewhere and go win a championship with somebody else… It’s easy. I could go to a super team and just do my part and win a championship. But this is the hard way to do it and this is the way to do it and we did it.”

Framing Himself as the Lone Hero

By championing the idea that it’s “easy” to join a superteam and “do your part”—and contrasting that with his own “hard way” victory—Giannis drew a not-so-subtle line through the league: there are players who win with help, and there is Giannis, who does it solo. The implication is that his teammates were mere supporting characters, passengers in his one-man campaign, rather than vital components of a true championship team.

His words to Wade reinforced this narrative: by highlighting Wade as someone who won “the right way” in Miami, Giannis continues to prop up the myth of the self-made superstar, glossing over the critical roles played by everyone around him. It’s not just a swipe at the concept of superteams; it’s a backhanded insult to those who wore the same uniform and bled the same colors during Milwaukee’s title run.

”I’m a huge, huge fan of you bro. The day after we won the championship I posted a picture of you on my story… Because you guys… You did it in Miami. You did it the right way. That’s how I want to do it.”

The Impact on Team Chemistry

What makes Giannis’s stance notably self-centered is the dismissiveness baked into the rhetoric. Khris Middleton’s clutch shooting, Jrue Holiday’s defense, and Brook Lopez’s presence in the paint—the foundation of the Bucks’ 2021 championship—are effectively relegated to footnotes in Giannis’s personal story.

By making such comments both publicly and in private conversation with icons like Wade, Giannis inadvertently puts himself at the center of the story, as if he alone triumphed against the odds. For a superstar whose brand often promotes humility and teamwork, this move is strikingly egotistical.

Hypocrisy and Selective Memory

Let’s not forget that even the “right way” championship teams—Wade’s 2006 Heat included—relied heavily on key contributions from both stars and role players. By heralding himself and Wade as paragons of solo achievement, Giannis ignores both NBA history and the realities of how teams win titles.

His statements, when placed under a microscope, read less like inspiration and more like a subtle attempt to distance himself from those who helped raise the Larry O’Brien trophy alongside him.

Giannis is a hypocrite

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s constant need to frame his title as “harder,” “more authentic,” or “without help” only underlines how much the superstar mentality has eroded the team ethic in modern basketball. Instead of lifting his teammates up in victory, his words function as a subtle takedown—a way to make sure the spotlight, even after the final buzzer, never drifts far from his own shadow.

( It is similar to his ludicrous speech about how losing is no different to winning. )

October 26, 2025

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

October 22, 2025

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

Type	Examples & Incidents	Themes
On-Court	Aggressive/dirty plays, taunting, playoff failures	Style over skill, sportsmanship, immaturity
Off-Court	Locker room conflicts, disrespectful gestures, slaps	Poor leadership, disrespect, bad teammate
Media	Walkouts, introversion, handling tough questions	Arrogance, unapproachable, negative narratives
Cultural	Not American, foreign roots, outsider perspective	Xenophobia, 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.

October 18, 2025

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.

October 18, 2025

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.

October 12, 2025

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.

October 7, 2025

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:

Season	Rebounds Per Game (RPG)	Total Rebound % (TRB%)	Defensive Rating (DRtg)	Defensive BPM (DBPM)
2019-20	13.6	21.4%	97	4.1
2020-21	11.0	18.5%	107	2.8
2021-22	11.6	19.2%	106	3.5
2022-23	11.8	19.8%	108	2.7
2023-24	11.5	18.8%	112	2.4
2024-25	11.9	19.5%	109	2.5

(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.

October 3, 2025

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