Greek Freak Analyzed

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  • Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2024-25 NBA Season: A Statistical Comparison to Previous Years. No accolades!

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2024-25 NBA Season: A Statistical Comparison to Previous Years. No accolades!

    The 2024-25 regular season saw some statistical declines in specific areas compared to his previous seasons. All statistics are sourced from reputable platforms like Basketball-Reference, ESPN, and NBA.com.

    Overview of Giannis’ 2024-25 Regular Season

    In the 2024-25 regular season, Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared in 67 games for the Milwaukee Bucks.

    Statistical Declines in 2024-25 Compared to Previous Seasons

    1. Points Per Game (PPG)

    2024-25: 30.4 PPG
    Giannis’ scoring output in 2024-25 was impressive but lower than his career-high 31.1 PPG in the 2022-23 season. Comparing to recent seasons:

    2. Free-Throw Attempts and Percentage

    2024-25: 10.8 FTA, 65.8% FT%
    Giannis’ free-throw shooting has long been a point of contention, and 2024-25 saw a decline in both attempts and efficiency:

    • Free-Throw Attempts (FTA):
      • 2023-24: 11.2 FTA2022-23: 12.3 FTA (highest in his career)2021-22: 11.4 FTA2020-21: 10.2 FTA2019-20: 10.0 FTA
      In 2024-25, Giannis averaged 10.8 free-throw attempts per game, lower than the previous three seasons. The league has figured him out.
    • Free-Throw Percentage (FT%):
      • 2023-24: 65.7% (nearly identical to 2024-25)2022-23: 64.5% (1.3% lower)2021-22: 72.2% (6.4% higher)2020-21: 68.5% (2.7% higher)2019-20: 63.3% (2.5% lower)
      His 65.8% FT% in 2024-25 was among his worst since 2019-20, significantly below his 72.2% peak in 2021-22. This regression in free-throw accuracy impacted his overall scoring efficiency, especially in close games and is a massive liability in a lot of situations.

    3. Steals Per Game (SPG)

    2024-25: 0.9 SPG
    Giannis’ defensive impact used to be a hallmark of his game, but his steals average in 2024-25 was a notable low:

    • 2023-24: 1.2 SPG
    • 2022-23: 0.8 SPG (career low, tied with 2021-22)
    • 2021-22: 1.1 SPG
    • 2020-21: 1.2 SPG
    • 2019-20: 1.0 SPG

    The 0.9 SPG in 2024-25 was lower than four of the past five seasons, matching his 2019-20 output but falling short of his 2023-24 and 2020-21 figures. This dip may reflect a strategic shift, with Giannis focusing more on rim protection (1.2 BPG) or conserving energy on a Bucks roster dealing with injuries.

    4. Three-Point Shooting

    2024-25: 0.3 3PM, 25.9% 3P%
    Giannis has never been a prolific three-point shooter, but his 2024-25 numbers were particularly low:

    • Three-Point Makes (3PM):
      • 2023-24: 0.5 3PM
      • 2022-23: 0.7 3PM
      • 2021-22: 1.1 3PM
      • 2020-21: 1.1 3PM
      • 2019-20: 1.4 3PM
      His 0.3 three-pointers made per game in 2024-25 was the lowest since 2018-19 (0.2 3PM).
    • Three-Point Percentage (3P%):
      • 2023-24: 27.4%2022-23: 27.5%2021-22: 29.3%2020-21: 30.3%2019-20: 30.4%
      His 25.9% three-point shooting was the worst since 2017-18 (25.0%). This regression reflects a continued reluctance to shoot from beyond the arc, with only 1.1 three-point attempts per game in 2024-25. It is almost the worse 3pt shooting percentage in NBA history for a single season.

    5. Minutes Per Game (MPG)

    2024-25: 34.2 MPG
    Giannis played fewer minutes per game in 2024-25 than in most recent seasons:

    • 2023-24: 35.2 MPG
    • 2022-23: 34.2 MPG (tied with 2024-25)
    • 2021-22: 36.8 MPG
    • 2020-21: 33.0 MPG
    • 2019-20: 30.4 MPG

    The 34.2 MPG matches his 2022-23 figure but is lower than 2023-24 and 2021-22. This reduction could be due to load management, injuries to teammates like Lillard, or coaching decisions under Doc Rivers.

    Other stats

    1. Offensive Rebounds Per Game (ORPG) 2024-25: 2.7 ORPG

    Giannis’ offensive rebounding, a key component of his ability to generate second-chance points, saw a decline in 2024-25:

    2023-24: 2.9 ORPG 2022-23: 2.2 ORPG 2021-22: 2.0 ORPG 2020-21: 1.6 ORPG 2019-20: 2.1 ORPG His 2.7 offensive rebounds per game in 2024-25 were lower than his 2023-24 mark (2.9 ORPG) but higher than the four preceding seasons. The slight drop from 2023-24 could be due to a shift in role, with Giannis focusing more on playmaking (6.5 APG) or playing alongside other rebounders like Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma, reducing his opportunities on the offensive glass.

    2. Defensive Rebounds Per Game (DRPG) 2024-25: 9.2 DRPG

    Giannis’ defensive rebounding, which contributes to his league-leading total rebounds, also dipped slightly:

    2023-24: 9.6 DRPG 2022-23: 9.6 DRPG 2021-22: 9.9 DRPG 2020-21: 9.4 DRPG 2019-20: 11.4 DRPG His 9.2 defensive rebounds per game in 2024-25 were lower than every season since 2019-20. This decline may reflect increased competition for rebounds within the Bucks’ lineup or a strategic emphasis on transitioning quickly to offense rather than securing every defensive board.

    3. Assist-to-Turnover Ratio (AST/TOV) 2024-25: 1.91 AST/TOV (6.5 APG, 3.4 TOV)

    Giannis’ assist-to-turnover ratio in 2024-25 was worse than several prior seasons. He simply screws up more and more:

    2023-24: 1.92 (6.5 APG, 3.4 TOV) 2022-23: 1.44 (5.7 APG, 3.9 TOV) 2021-22: 1.75 (5.8 APG, 3.3 TOV) 2020-21: 2.07 (5.9 APG, 2.8 TOV) 2019-20: 1.61 (5.6 APG, 3.7 TOV) The 2024-25 AST/TOV ratio of 1.91 was slightly worse than 2023-24 (1.92) and significantly lower than 2020-21 (2.07). While Giannis maintained a high assist average (6.5 APG), his turnovers remained consistent at 3.4 per game, suggesting that his increased ball-handling responsibilities didn’t translate to better ball security compared to his peak efficiency in 2020-21.

    4. Player Efficiency Rating (PER) 2024-25: Estimated 28.0 PER

    Player Efficiency Rating (PER) measures a player’s per-minute productivity, normalised to a league average of 15.0. Giannis’ PER in 2024-25 was lower than several prior seasons:

    2023-24: 29.8 2022-23: 29.0 2021-22: 32.1 (career high) 2020-21: 29.2 2019-20: 31.9 His estimated 28.0 PER in 2024-25 (based on Basketball-Reference trends) was lower than four of the past five seasons, with only 2022-23 (29.0) being closer. This dip reflects slight regressions in scoring efficiency, turnovers, and defensive metrics like steals, though he remained among the league’s top performers.

    5. True Shooting Percentage (TS%) 2024-25: 59.8% TS%

    True Shooting Percentage accounts for field goals, three-pointers, and free throws to measure overall shooting efficiency. Giannis’ TS% in 2024-25 was:

    2023-24: 61.3% 2022-23: 60.5% 2021-22: 63.3% 2020-21: 61.7% 2019-20: 61.3% His 59.8% TS% in 2024-25 was the lowest since 2018-19 (59.7%) and worse than all five previous seasons. This decline is largely attributable to his poor free-throw shooting (65.8%) and reduced three-point accuracy (25.9%), which dragged down his overall efficiency despite a solid 55.7% FG%. Seeing as he mainly dunked this season, this drop is very worrying.

    6. Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (WS/48) 2024-25: Estimated 0.220 WS/48

    Win Shares Per 48 Minutes measures a player’s contribution to team wins, normalised per 48 minutes. Giannis’ WS/48 in 2024-25 was:

    2023-24: 0.233 2022-23: 0.208 2021-22: 0.281 2020-21: 0.260 2019-20: 0.279 His estimated 0.220 WS/48 in 2024-25 was lower than four of the past five seasons, surpassing only 2022-23. This drop reflects declines in offensive efficiency (e.g., TS%) and defensive contributions (e.g., steals).

    7. Box Plus/Minus (BPM) 2024-25: Estimated 8.5 BPM

    Box Plus/Minus estimates a player’s contribution to team performance per 100 possessions. Giannis’ BPM in 2024-25 was:

    2023-24: 8.8 2022-23: 8.6 2021-22: 11.8 2020-21: 9.2 2019-20: 11.1 His estimated 8.5 BPM in 2024-25 was lower than four of the past five seasons, with only 2022-23 (8.6) being comparable. This slight decline aligns with reduced efficiency (TS%, PER) and defensive metrics (SPG, DRPG), though he remained a top-tier contributor.

    Yes, Giannis is past his prime and not improving

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2024-25 regular season featured important and meaningful statistical regressions. He posted lower numbers in points (compared to 2022-23), free-throw attempts and percentage, steals, field goal attempts, three-point shooting, and minutes played compared to various prior seasons. As Giannis is past his prime at age 30, these declines signal a meaningful downward trend, yet another reason no teams are beating down the door for trades.

    Sources: Basketball-Reference.com, ESPN.com, NBA.com, RotoWire.com, Proballers.com, LandOfBasketball.com, Yahoo Sports, and posts on X. All stats are accurate as of April 30, 2025.

  • Is Giannis washed? NBA on ESPN said it!

    Is Giannis washed? NBA on ESPN said it!

    This is the video that sparked a hundred wars in the comments section:

    The Case for “Giannis Is Washed”

    1. Post-Championship Playoff Struggles

    One of the primary arguments for labelling Giannis as washed stems from the Milwaukee Bucks’ postseason performance since their 2021 championship. Since hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the Bucks have won just one playoff series in the last three years, a stark contrast to their dominance in the regular season. Critics point to early exits—like the 2023 first-round loss to the Miami Heat and subsequent disappointments—as evidence that Giannis can’t deliver when it matters most.

    In 2023, Giannis was hampered by a back injury, missing games in the Heat series, and the Bucks collapsed despite holding the NBA’s best regular-season record. Detractors argue that a true superstar should elevate his team regardless of circumstances, and Giannis’s inability to drag Milwaukee past Miami fuelled the “washed” narrative. The Bucks’ reliance on Giannis as their sole engine, especially without a fully healthy supporting cast, has exposed vulnerabilities that critics interpret as a decline in his impact.

    There is a solid line of reasoning which point to the Bucks dead end as the direct result of Giannis in fact.

    2. Injury Concerns and Team Health

    Health is a recurring theme in the “washed” argument—not just for Giannis but for the Bucks as a whole. Milwaukee hasn’t fielded a fully healthy roster in the playoffs since 2021, with key players like Khris Middleton and, more recently, Damian Lillard battling injuries. Giannis himself has dealt with nagging issues, from knee soreness to the aforementioned back problem. Critics argue that if Giannis were truly in his prime, he’d overcome these setbacks and carry the Bucks deeper, much like LeBron James or Kevin Durant have done in injury-riddled seasons.

    The absence of Lillard, who is likely to miss at least the start of the 2025 playoffs, puts even more pressure on Giannis. Skeptics claim that his physical, rim-attacking style—reliant on explosive athleticism—may be taking a toll, making him less durable and effective in high-stakes moments. If Giannis can’t stay on the court or compensate for missing teammates, some wonder if his peak has passed. More importantly it can well be argued that his injuries are a result of low IQ on Giannis’ part in several aspects of his game, stat padding mania and lack of intelligence in planning ahead.

    3. Perceived Lack of Skill Development

    Another pillar of the “washed” argument is Giannis’ offensive game, which critics say hasn’t evolved enough to keep pace with the modern NBA. Known for his relentless drives and dominance in the paint, Giannis remains a below-average shooter from beyond the arc, with a career three-point percentage hovering around 29%. In an era where versatility is king, his inability to stretch the floor consistently can clog Milwaukee’s offence, especially in playoff settings where defences pack the paint and dare him to shoot.

    While Giannis has improved as a playmaker—evidenced by increased assists and triple-double threats—critics argue he still lacks the finesse or mid-range game to counter playoff adjustments. Compare this to players like Nikola Jokić or Jayson Tatum, who’ve added layers to their offensive arsenals, and some see Giannis as one-dimensional. If he’s not bulldozing to the rim, the argument goes, his impact wanes, suggesting a plateau and that is why his trade value is declining.

    4. Narrative of Being “Figured Out”

    Playoff losses have led some to claim that Giannis has been “figured out.” Teams like the Heat and Raptors (in 2019) built defensive walls to neutralise his drives, forcing him to operate outside his comfort zone. When Giannis struggles to score efficiently or turns the ball over under pressure, critics pounce, arguing that his predictable style makes him easier to game-plan against. The “washed” label creeps in when people suggest he hasn’t adapted to these challenges, relying on athleticism over skill to stay relevant. In fact we went over several teams that have a single player that can shut him down. And the bad news? More and more teams have a “Giannis killer” in their roster…

    5. Age and Mileage Concerns

    At 30, Giannis is hardly old, but his high-octane style—constant rim attacks, defensive hustle, and physical play—raises questions about wear and tear. He’s logged heavy minutes over his career, including deep playoff runs, and some speculate that his body may not hold up as it once did. If his athleticism dips even slightly, critics argue, his game could suffer dramatically, given its reliance on physical dominance. This fear of an early decline fuels the “washed” talk, especially when compared to peers like Jokić, who rely more on skill than athleticism.

    6. Giannis’ impressive stats are made in easy games

    It is a statistical fact. Giannis’ fans go on and on about his averages. But these fall off a cliff in harder games. This season the Bucks couldn’t win a single game against the top teams in the East. Worse still, Giannis may have scored a lot of points but his mid range evaporates and even his free throws are much much worse in high intensity games. Worse still, he seems to hog the ball even more under pressure.

    This year, more than ever, Giannis is a liability in clutch situations, here I outlined just five of the more obvious likely scenarios where he insists on being on the floor, even though it could cost them the game.

    So is Giannis washed?

    Of course not. He is a dominant force in the regular season for many situations. The real question should be “is Giannis washed in the NBA in terms of actually making a difference in the playoffs?”