Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: iq

  • Jokic vs. Giannis: one of the two can’t deliver when it counts

    Jokic vs. Giannis: one of the two can’t deliver when it counts

    Few duels in international basketball generate more anticipation than Nikola Jokic versus Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their recent European matchup, a FIBA World Cup qualifier between Serbia and Greece, lived up to the hype—offering a showcase of elite skill, intensity, and clutch drama. Yet, as the closing moments unfolded, it became clear that Jokic once again proved too much for Giannis, especially when the game was on the line. “Elite skill” and “clutch” can only be used next to one of the two. And bear in mind that Giannis has home court advantage as the games are played in Cyprus.

    The Numbers: A Spectacular Showdown

    The stat lines were gaudy for both superstars:

    • Jokic: 29 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
    • Giannis: 40 points (a national team and European Qualifiers record), 8 rebounds, 5 assists

    Despite Giannis’s scoring explosion, the final score told the story: Serbia 100, Greece 94 (OT)—with Jokic delivering the pivotal blows[1][2][3].

    Breaking Down the Clutch

    Overtime Execution

    In crunch time, Jokic shifted into high gear. After Greece forced overtime with a clutch Tyler Dorsey three, Jokic responded by scoring six straight points in OT, putting Serbia up 97–92 and crushing Greece’s hopes[1][3]. Giannis and Dorsey attempted to respond but couldn’t find the range—both missing crucial attempts from beyond the arc in the dying minutes[1][3].

    Why Jokic Was Untouchable

    Jokic’s composure and decision-making in overtime made the difference. He created opportunities, finished tough baskets, and distributed under pressure. His field goal efficiency—nearly 70% from the floor and over 66% from three—highlighted his surgical precision in key moments[2][3]. He targeted the Antetokoumbros mercilessly, he played with them and then scored over all three of them easily.

    Giannis’s Late-Game Woes

    Despite his scoring through regulation, Giannis faltered in clutch situations. In overtime and the final possessions of regulation, he couldn’t manufacture quality shots and failed to hit deep daggers when it mattered most. Across the broader sample of clutch moments, Giannis has struggled. Recent data shows Giannis’s clutch field goal percentage lagging behind Jokic’s, especially from outside, and his plus-minus in crunch time is markedly lower[4].

    The Pattern: Jokic Outshines Giannis When It Matters Most

    Comparative Clutch Stats (NBA 2023–24)

    JokicGiannis
    Clutch Points10069
    FG% (Clutch)50.9%37.5%
    3PT% (Clutch)36.4%16.7%
    Plus-Minus+79+17

    Clutch = last 5 minutes, margin ≤ 5
    [4]

    Jokic not only produces more, but does so with better shot selection and control under heat, allowing his teams to close out tight matches.

    The Narrative: Leadership Under Pressure

    Jokic’s poise as Serbia’s floor general inspired his teammates to execute and finish strong. Giannis, for all his athletic brilliance, still faces challenges creating his own shot in tightly contested, half-court situations—especially under FIBA’s slower, more physical style of play, where spacing is limited and referees let contact go[5].

    The kids just ain’t got “it”

    While Giannis tried to dazzle with raw numbers and high-flying theatrics, it was Jokic’s surgical focus and execution in the decisive moments that secured Serbia’s win. Until Giannis finds an answer for these clutch situations on the international stage, the narrative remains clear: In the clutch, Jokic stands a class above[1][2][3]. Giannis is just a stat padder.

    [1] https://www.eurohoops.net/en/fibawc/1381255/jokic-wins-epic-clash-vs-giannis-to-lift-serbia-over-greece/
    [2] https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/jokic-vs-giannis-serbia-defeats-greece-in-fiba-world-cup-qualifier-
    [3] https://basketnews.com/news-176934-nikola-jokic-pushes-serbia-past-giannis-antetokounmpo-and-greece-in-overtime.html
    [4] https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nba/news/mvp-debate-nikola-jokic-joel-embiid-giannis-antetokounmpo-stats/ehuih13jggeuzmumtzleckc5
    [5] https://basketballsphere.com/en/giannis-antetokounmpo-its-harder-to-play-in-europe-than-it-is-in-the-nba-jokic-can-not-be-defended-1-on-1/
    [6] https://www.reddit.com/r/NBATalk/comments/1ewyjxu/jokic_vs_giannis_whos_dominating_now_and_whos/
    [7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfSqnEbP3Ts
    [8] https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/giannis-vs-nikola-jokic-last-10-games
    [9] https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-mvp-mondays-24-25-nikola-jokic-leads-giannis-antetokounmpo-jayson-tatum
    [10] https://www.nba.com/news/nba-storylines-2023-24-clutch-leaders
    [11] https://bleav.com/shows/pickaxe-and-roll/episodes/nuggets-take-down-bucks-in-awesome-clutch-matchup/
    [12] https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/mens-olympic-basketball-tournament-paris-2024/news/giannis-v-jokic-pre-olympic-showdown
    [13] https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-bucks-fans-shade-nikola-jokic-giannis-antetokounmpo-s-viral-clutch-block-isn-t-even-dreams
    [14] https://www.reddit.com/r/nbadiscussion/comments/1hcs0bm/what_puts_jokic_so_decisively_over_giannis/
    [15] https://stathead.com/basketball/vs/giannis-vs-nikola-jokic
    [16] https://fadeawayworld.net/nikola-jokic-vs-giannis-antetokounmpo-career-comparison
    [17] https://www.nba.com/news/fiba-roundup-nikola-jokic-giannis-antetokounmpo-deliver-in-superstar-duel
    [18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBIxBbZjrgo

  • Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Might Never Work With the Lakers

    Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Might Never Work With the Lakers

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak,” is a two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and generally likeable guy with an amazing personal story. At 30 years old, he blends freakish athleticism and a relentless work ethic. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, are a franchise synonymous with star power and championship aspirations. On paper, pairing Giannis with the Lakers’ duo sounds like a dream scenario for fans craving a superteam. But dig deeper into the team’s dynamics, roster construction, and playing styles, and it becomes clear that Giannis might not mesh as seamlessly with the Lakers as one might hope. Just because they are missing a big, doesn’t mean Giannis is a good fit.

    1. No three point shooting and no free throws

    JJ Redick was a master of the 3. The Lakers have morphed into a 3point shooting team with pretty much everyone taking more from the perimeter. Lebron James is shooting it better than ever in his career. Giannis on the other hand is heading towards the worse 3pt% in NBA history. He isn’t just bad. He is a liability. Even if we pretend it doesn’t matter (it does, you can get other bigs with decent 3point shooting) it is a massive liability in any clutch situation. Because you know opponents witll try to foul him, Giannis should not even be on the floor.

    2. Ball Dominance

    LeBron James, even at 40 years old in 2025, remains the Lakers’ offensive engine. His playmaking ability—averaging over 7 assists per game throughout his career—relies on having the ball in his hands to orchestrate the offense. Giannis, however, has evolved into a point-forward hybrid in Milwaukee, often initiating the Bucks’ attack himself. He is a ball hog worse than Luka Doncic, holding the ball approximately 1/4 of the total possesions of the Bucks!

    Pairing ball-dominant stars risks creating a tug-of-war for control. LeBron excels when surrounded by shooters and cutters who complement his vision, as seen in his Miami days with Dwyane Wade or Cleveland with Kyrie Irving. Giannis, conversely, needs the freedom to drive and kick or finish at the rim, often with the Bucks building their offense around his downhill momentum. Forcing one to defer to the other could stifle their individual brilliance. LeBron might adapt—he’s done it before like now with Luka—but Giannis lacks the basketball IQ and diversity in skills. He is now more than ever a run and dunk guy.

    3. Defensive Philosophy Clash

    The Bucks built their championship defense around Giannis, often deploying him as a roving help defender in a scheme that emphasizes rim protection and switching. Truth be told Jrue was the one holding the fort and everyone on the Bucks roster is used to covering for Giannis’ many misteps. Unfortunately since the championship run Giannis has not really played defence. It seems all he cares about is his stat padding. He has fallen in steals, blocks and most other metrics, focusing more on points.

    The Lakers, however, play a fast team defence which relies on high basketball IQ and constant movement. They roam and disrupt rather than stick to traditional man-to-man assignments, which could leave gaps in the Lakers’ perimeter defense—an area where they’ve historically relied on guards like Alex Caruso (now gone) or Dennis Schröder to compensate. Without elite wing defenders to complement them, Giannis might find himself stretched thin, unable to maximize his defensive impact in a system not tailored to his strengths.

    4. Roster Construction and Salary Cap Nightmares

    Even if the on-court fit could work, the practicalities of adding Giannis to the Lakers are a logistical nightmare. As of 2025, LeBron and Luka command massive salaries—LeBron’s likely on a veteran extension. Giannis, meanwhile, signed a three-year, $186 million extension with the Bucks in 2023, keeping him under contract through 2027-28. Trading for him would require gutting the Lakers’ roster, likely sending out young talent (e.g., Max Christie or Austin Reaves) and multiple first-round picks—assets the Lakers have already depleted from past trades. AR seems extremely unlikely to go since he is playing amazingly well and has figured out how to combine with Lebron and Luka.

    The resulting roster would be top-heavy, with little depth to support the big three. The Lakers’ 2020 championship relied on role players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Rajon Rondo, but assembling a competent supporting cast around three max contracts in the modern NBA’s tight salary cap is nearly impossible. Giannis thrived in Milwaukee partly because of shooters like Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, who spaced the floor for him. The Lakers, perpetually cash-strapped, would struggle to replicate that balance, leaving Giannis in an unfamiliar and suboptimal environment.

    5. Cultural and Leadership Misalignment

    Giannis is a blue-collar superstar—humble, team-first, and fiercely loyal to the Bucks, a small-market franchise that bet on him as a raw teenager. The Lakers, by contrast, are Hollywood—glitz, glamour, and a revolving door of stars chasing rings. LeBron’s tenure has been defined by high-profile acquisitions and a win-now mentality, often at the expense of long-term stability (see: Russell Westbrook experiment). Giannis has expressed disdain for superteam culture, famously saying after the 2021 title, “I did it the hard way.” Joining the Lakers could feel like a betrayal of his ethos, clashing with the franchise’s spotlight-chasing identity.

    Leadership styles could also grate. LeBron’s cerebral, vocal approach contrasts with Giannis’ lead-by-example intensity. While both are unselfish, Giannis’ relentless motor might not vibe with LeBron’s more measured pace at this stage of his career. The Lakers’ locker room, already navigating the dynamics of LeBron’s twilight and Luka , might struggle to integrate a third alpha personality. Giannis is socially awkward and has never really been able to make connections to other superstars.

    6. Coaching and System Fit

    The Bucks have tailored their system around Giannis under coaches like Mike Budenholzer and now Doc Rivers , emphasizing pace, transition scoring, and basically doing whatever Giannis asks. The Lakers, under JJ Redick , have showed how modern basketball can be played. Giannis excels in chaos—running the floor, crashing the glass, and overwhelming opponents with athleticism. The Lakers’ more deliberate style might stifle his natural game, forcing him into a structured role that doesn’t suit his improvisational approach. Let’s fact it, that approach doesn’t work anyway. Giannis is the worse screener in the NBA and doesn’t understand angles at all. He also can’t understand or execute advanced plays. He is the worse at turnover to assist ratio in the league for many seasons now.

    A Dream That Doesn’t Fit

    Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers is a tantalizing what-if, but reality reveals too many cracks. From spacing woes and ball-sharing dilemmas to defensive overlaps and roster constraints, the fit is far from perfect. Giannis is at his best as the undisputed centerpiece of a team built to amplify his unique gifts—something the Bucks have mastered and the Lakers, with their existing stars and limitations, can’t replicate. For Lakers fans dreaming of another superstar coup, Giannis might be the one that got away because he’s simply not skilled enough to slot into their puzzle.

  • Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Never Thrive with the Golden State Warriors

    Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Never Thrive with the Golden State Warriors

    Despite his extraordinary physical skills and all the rumours claiming the Warriors want him, Giannis would struggle to fit into the Golden State Warriors’ system—a system built on high basketball IQ, fluid motion, and selfless play. In contrast, Jimmy Butler, who has seamlessly integrated into the Warriors’ rotations, exemplifies the kind of player who thrives in Golden State’s cerebral, team-oriented style. If Giannis had very few chances to be invited to San Fran before, now he has zero.

    The Warriors’ System: A Symphony of IQ and Precision

    The Warriors’ dynasty, under Steve Kerr, has been defined by a motion offense that prioritizes spacing, off-ball movement, and split-second decision-making. Players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have thrived because they possess elite basketball IQs—understanding when to cut, when to screen, and when to pass without hesitation. This system demands players who can read defenses, anticipate plays, and contribute to a collective rhythm rather than relying solely on individual dominance.

    Giannis, for all his gifts, doesn’t align with this philosophy. His game is predicated on bulldozing through defenses with his 6’11” frame, freakish athleticism, and Eurostep-driven drives. While effective in the past and against easier teams, this approach often stalls in structured systems that require nuance over brute force. Let’s break down the key areas where Giannis falls short compared to Butler.

    Giannis’s Basketball IQ: Instinct Over Intellect

    Basketball IQ isn’t just about scoring or rebounding—it’s about making the right play at the right time. Giannis often excels in transition, where his speed and power overwhelm opponents, but in the half-court, his decision-making often falters. Too frequently, he barrels into double-teams without a clear plan, resulting in turnovers or forced shots. His playoff struggles—most notably against the Raptors’ “Wall” in 2019 and the Heat’s zone in 2020—exposed this limitation. Defences can game-plan against him by clogging the paint, daring him to pass or shoot from outside, areas where his instincts don’t translate to consistent execution.

    The Warriors’ offense, by contrast, thrives on players who can exploit defensive overreactions. Draymond Green’s ability to read the floor and deliver pinpoint passes to cutters is a cornerstone of their success. We recently saw him completely shut down Giannis because he rarely demonstrates this level of playmaking vision. His assist numbers (career average around 5-6 per game) often come from basic kick-outs rather than the layered reads Kerr’s system demands. In Golden State, he’d likely disrupt the flow, holding the ball too long or forcing drives that collapse spacing.

    Jimmy Butler, on the other hand, is a maestro of half-court orchestration. Known for his savvy pick-and-roll play and ability to manipulate defenses, Butler makes quick, intelligent decisions. Whether it’s hitting an open teammate off a double-team or patiently probing for a mid-range jumper, his IQ shines through. In the Warriors’ system, Butler’s knack for finding the right angle—whether as a cutter or a passer—would mesh perfectly with Curry’s gravity and Green’s facilitation.

    The Screening Conundrum: Giannis’s Weakness vs. Butler’s Strength

    Screening is the lifeblood of the Warriors’ offense. From Curry’s off-ball screens to Green’s pick-and-roll mastery, effective screening creates the chaos that Golden State exploits. And they are masters at pulling off ludicrous screens without getting a whistle from the days of Bogue who pretty much admitted later that they couldn’t understand why they didn’t get called for it more often! Giannis, however, is a glaring liability in this department. Despite his size, he rarely sets meaningful screens, preferring to operate as the ball-handler or roller. His lack of technique—poor angles, minimal contact, and a tendency to slip screens prematurely—limits his ability to free up teammates. In Milwaukee, this hasn’t been a dealbreaker because the Bucks’ offense is designed around his downhill attacks, with shooters spacing the floor. But in Golden State, where screening is a prerequisite for off-ball movement, Giannis’s deficiency would grind the system to a halt.

    Imagine Giannis trying to set a screen for Curry. Defenses would sag off, knowing he’s unlikely to pop for a jumper or roll with precision timing. His presence would clog the lane, negating the Warriors’ spacing advantage. Compare this to Butler, who has spent years honing his screening craft. In Miami, Butler’s screens in the pick-and-roll with Bam Adebayo were a thing of beauty—crisp, physical, and perfectly timed. Translated to Golden State, Butler could set screens for Curry or Thompson, then roll or fade with purpose, keeping the offense humming. His willingness to do the dirty work amplifies his fit, while Giannis’s reluctance to embrace this role underscores his mismatch.

    Butler’s Fit: A Plug-and-Play Star

    Jimmy Butler’s game is tailor-made for the Warriors. His mid-range scoring, defensive tenacity, and high-IQ playmaking align with Kerr’s vision. Butler doesn’t need the ball to dominate—he’s comfortable cutting, spotting up, or facilitating when needed. His 41.4% three-point shooting in the 2022-23 season (on low volume) would stretch defenses just enough, while his ability to guard multiple positions would bolster Golden State’s switch-heavy defense alongside Green. In rotations with Curry, Thompson, and Green, Butler’s versatility would shine, whether he’s running a secondary pick-and-roll or locking down the opponent’s best wing.

    Giannis, by contrast, demands a ball-dominant role that clashes with Curry’s primacy. His 28.7% career three-point shooting and shaky free-throw accuracy (around 70%) make him a liability in crunch time, where the Warriors rely on spacing and execution. Defensively his rim-protecting style doesn’t translate as seamlessly to Golden State’s perimeter-oriented scheme as Butler’s multi-positional defence does.

    The Verdict: Butler Outclasses Giannis in Golden State

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game is ill-suited for the Warriors’ intellectual, motion-based system. His lower basketball IQ and lack of screening ability would disrupt the harmony that defines Golden State’s success. Jimmy Butler, with his adaptability, grit, and nuanced skill set, is the far superior fit—enhancing the Warriors’ rotations without sacrificing their identity. In a hypothetical world where either player joins the Bay, Butler’s seamless integration would outshine Giannis’s awkward clash, proving that basketball brilliance isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about fitting the puzzle.

    So, while Giannis will continue to dominate in his own way probably only in the regular season, the Warriors’ kingdom belongs to players like Butler, who elevate the system rather than bend it to their will. Many say they could go for it all this year. And if there was half a chance in hell Giannis would be traded to the Golden State one day, now it is zero.

  • Bobby Portis: Elevating Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks

    Bobby Portis: Elevating Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks

    Every superstar needs a supporting cast to maximise their impact, and for the Bucks, now that Khris left, Bobby Portis has emerged as a critical piece of the puzzle. Known for his tenacity, versatility, and relentless energy, Portis brings a unique skill set that not only complements Giannis but amplifies his dominance on the court. Let’s dive into why Bobby Portis is so good for the Bucks—and specifically how he enhances Giannis’ game when they share the floor.

    The Suspension: A Fair Punishment with Long-Term Upside

    On February 20, 2025, the NBA announced Portis’ 25-game suspension without pay after he tested positive for Tramadol, a painkiller recently added to the league’s banned substance list. Portis and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, maintained it was an honest mistake—he intended to take Toradol, an NBA-approved anti-inflammatory, to manage an elbow injury but was given Tramadol by an assistant due to a mix-up. Despite the unintentional nature, the NBA upheld its strict anti-drug policy, sidelining Portis until April 8, 2025, just four games before the regular season’s end.

    The punishment was fair. The two medicines look nothing like each other and have vastly different use case and effects. The NBA’s anti-drug program exists to ensure a level playing field, and intent doesn’t negate responsibility. Portis himself acknowledged this, stating, “I feel horrible and recognise that I’m responsible for what I put in my body.” Tramadol, classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, carries risks of dependency and side effects that could unfairly advantage a player, even if taken inadvertently. The 25-game ban aligns with precedents like Tristan Thompson’s suspension in 2024 for a similar violation, reinforcing consistency in enforcement. Bucks GM Jon Horst and coach Doc Rivers expressed support but didn’t contest the ruling, accepting it as a necessary consequence. The NBA was helping Bobby and protecting him in the long term.

    More importantly this suspension might prove to be a blessing in disguise for both Portis and the Bucks. For Portis personally, the time away offers a chance to reset. At 30 years old and in his 10th NBA season, he’s been a model of durability, rarely missing games. However, the 2024-25 season brought personal challenges—his home was burglarised in November, and he lost his grandmother in January, missing six games to mourn. The suspension, while a financial hit ($2.85 million in lost salary), gives him a forced break to recover physically from his elbow injury and emotionally from a tumultuous year. Returning fresh for the playoffs could see him at peak form, ready to contribute to a deep postseason run. We all know most players battle injuries every day. Bobby, being Bobby may well have used drugs to make sure he could help the team, even to the detriment of his long term health.

    For the Bucks, the suspension tests their depth but also fosters growth. Sitting at 29-24 and fifth in the East as of March 22, 2025, Milwaukee has struggled with consistency, especially after trading Khris Middleton at the deadline. Portis’ absence forces new additions like Kyle Kuzma to step up, potentially accelerating their integration alongside Giannis. It also allows coach Doc Rivers to experiment with lineups—perhaps leaning on Giannis at center more often or developing younger players like Andre Jackson Jr. The Bucks went 2-5 without Portis this season before the suspension, but those losses exposed weaknesses that can now be addressed. If the team adapts, they’ll emerge more resilient, with Portis’ return adding a rested, motivated spark plug for the playoffs.

    The Perfect Complementary Big Man

    Bobby Portis, affectionately dubbed “Bobby Buckets” by fans, is a 6’10” forward-center who embodies the modern NBA big man archetype. He’s not just a traditional post player; Portis can stretch the floor, crash the boards, and bring an infectious intensity that energises the team. For a player like Giannis, whose game thrives on driving lanes, transition opportunities, and defensive versatility, Portis is a near-perfect fit alongside him.

    One of Portis’ standout traits is his ability to space the floor. While Giannis is a devastating force in the paint and on the break, his lack of a consistent outside shot often clogs driving lanes when paired with non-shooting bigs. Portis counters this beautifully with his reliable mid-range and three-point shooting. In the 2023-24 season, he shot 40.7% from beyond the arc on 1.8 attempts per game, a career-high mark that carried into the 2024-25 season with similar efficiency. When Portis is on the floor, defenses can’t sag off him to double-team Giannis in the paint without risking an open jumper. This spacing gives Giannis more room to operate—whether he’s bulldozing to the rim or kicking out to shooters after drawing help.

    Rebounding and Second-Chance Opportunities

    Portis’ presence amplifies the Bucks’ dominance on the glass. Portis is a relentless offensive rebounder, averaging 2.5 offensive rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, often turning missed shots into second-chance points. This is huge for Giannis, who thrives in transition and chaos. When Portis secures an offensive board, it either leads to an immediate putback or a reset where Giannis can attack a scrambled defense.

    Defensively, Portis’ rebounding (5.8 defensive rebounds per game last season) helps Milwaukee secure stops and ignite Giannis’ trademark coast-to-coast runs. Portis’ ability to clean up possessions ensures Giannis get more of those opportunities. Together, they form a rebounding tandem that punishes opponents on both ends, especially since Giannis has cleared decreased focus in defence in recent years.

    Energy and Physicality: The Intangible Boost

    Beyond the stats, Portis brings an emotional edge that resonates with Giannis’ own relentless style. Known for his fiery competitiveness—sometimes to a fault, as seen in his occasional technical fouls—Portis plays with a chip on his shoulder that mirrors Giannis’ hustle-first mentality. This synergy is palpable when they’re on the court together. Portis isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint, set bruising screens, or dive for loose balls, all of which create opportunities for Giannis to exploit.

    For example, Portis’ willingness to battle bigger centres in the post allows Giannis to roam as a help defender or switch onto smaller players, where his length and agility shine. Offensively, Portis’ hard-nosed screens often spring Giannis free for downhill attacks, forcing defenses into impossible decisions: collapse on Giannis and leave Portis open, or stay home and let the Greek Freak feast at the rim. Bobby is the type of selfless player that makes Giannis looks good and covers up for his many weaknesses.

    Pick-and-Pop Chemistry

    One of the most effective ways Portis helps Giannis is through their pick-and-pop chemistry. While Giannis isn’t a traditional point guard, he often initiates the offensive. When Portis sets a high screen, he doesn’t just roll to the basket like a conventional big—he pops out to the mid-range or three-point line. This forces the defence to make a choice: switch and risk a mismatch with Giannis attacking a smaller player, or hedge and leave Portis open for a jumper. In other words, since Giannis doesn’t know how to screen, Portis has worked around the limitation to make a move that sometimes works!

    Data from the 2023-24 season shows that Portis was highly efficient in these scenarios, shooting over 50% on mid-range attempts. When defences overcommit to Giannis, Portis punishes them with a quick release. It has to be quick because Giannis’ passes are usually not very good, almost never at the ideal part of his body and often at the end of the clock in desperation. This dynamic keeps opponents guessing and prevents them from building a wall in the paint—the defensive strategy teams like the Raptors and Heat have used to slow Giannis in the past.

    Bench Spark and Lineup Flexibility

    Portis typically comes off the bench for the Bucks, providing a spark that keeps the team humming when Giannis rests. However, when they share the floor—often in closing lineups or crunch-time situations—Portis’ versatility shines. He can slide to the four alongside Giannis at the five, creating a small-ball lineup with size, or play center with Giannis at power forward, maintaining defensive physicality. This flexibility allows coach Doc Rivers (or Mike Budenholzer before him) to adapt to matchups without sacrificing Giannis’ impact. For sure Bobby is much more clutch than Giannis.

    In the 2021 championship run, Portis’ minutes alongside Giannis were pivotal, especially in the Finals against the Suns. His 16-point outburst in Game 6 off the bench exemplified how he can take pressure off Giannis by delivering timely scoring. That synergy has only grown stronger as Portis has settled into his role with Milwaukee.

    The Stats Tell the Story

    Looking at on/off splits from recent seasons, the Bucks’ net rating improves noticeably when Portis and Giannis play together. In the 2023-24 season, lineups featuring both players often posted offensive ratings above 120 points per 100 possessions, a testament to their combined scoring efficiency. Defensively, while Portis isn’t an elite rim protector, his hustle and positioning help Giannis anchor the backline, leading to a top-10 defensive rating in many of those minutes.

    A Fan Favorite and Team Glue

    Beyond the Xs and Os, Portis’ value to Giannis and the Bucks extends to his locker-room presence. His blue-collar work ethic and vocal leadership resonate with Giannis’ own approach, fostering a culture of toughness and accountability. Bucks fans adore him—chanting “Bob-by! Bob-by!” at Fiserv Forum—and that energy feeds into Giannis’ connection with the city and team.

    The Ideal Wingman

    Bobby Portis may not grab the headlines like Giannis, but his contributions are indispensable. He spaces

    the floor, crashes the glass, brings physicality, and provides lineup versatility—all of which make Giannis’ life easier and the Bucks more dangerous. Whether it’s a timely three, a gritty rebound, or a tone-setting hustle play, Portis elevates the team’s ceiling. As the Bucks chase another title Portis remains the superhero whose partnership with Giannis keeps Milwaukee among the league’s elite. Together, they’re a matchup nightmare—and a big reason why the Bucks continue to contend.

  • Bucks -Wizards: Giannis low basketball IQ on display

    Bucks -Wizards: Giannis low basketball IQ on display

    The Wizards were bottom of the league before they traded away all their assets.

    They have hardly won any match this season. And looking at Giannis box score I would say the only positive thing on it is a zero. Zero threes thankfully from the worse 3point shooter in the history of the NBA. But other than that, truly pathetic:

    6 fouls, pretty stupid fouls in fact. 54.5% from the free throw line, a category he is also getting worse at all the time. 7 turnovers. All this against the worse team in the NBA. Coming back from an injury is not even related. It doesn’t affect your free throw shooting. And – unless it was a mental disease – it shouldn’t affect when you decide to foul.

    He missed twice by the rim which isn’t that rare. What is rare was that he was on the wrong side of the rim! We all know he can only score on the right. So why was he on the left? Hell, he even took a shot from the left! This is how few shots he has taken this season on the left:

    Giannis just justified the post about him being nowhere near MVP caliber. He also showed how biased the media is always rooting for him as a terrible performance like tonight’s would be all over social media if it concerned any other ‘superstar’.

  • No trade can save the Bucks

    No trade can save the Bucks

    Bucks’ fans like to play a game called “let’s blame everyone except Giannis” which is often followed by another game called “let’s propose ludicrous trades that can’t happen”. Of course they want another championship, after all Giannis said he would “run it back” the day they won it.

    But Giannis is the reason they never will again. Watch even a small part of this video and think about it https://youtu.be/osY0NWe4M0w?si=Tt7OAdRQ91Zk63eR

    That is the modern NBA. The top teams and how they play. Fast, clever basketball with constant movement and players that can think fast and execute well. Can the Bucks ever play like that? Hell no! Because Giannis can’t.

    Part of Giannis’ amazing story is how he got to basketball late. He has no fundamentals, he can hardly dribble, for sure not ambidextrous and most of all, he can’t think basketball fast. He doesn’t even understand complex plays drawn out so the Bucks have to keep him out of those when necessary. It was apparent with the way coach Spanoulis tries to work around his limitations in the Paris Olympics. He kept Giannis off the floor a lot to try and get his team playing faster.

    It’s not about just how fast you can get down to the other end of the floor. Giannis is great at that. And it works often in the regular season. He grabs the easy defensive rebound because his team mates clear out to let him statpad. But then the problem: instead of passing the ball to a guard, Giannis starts running the floor looking for an easy run and dunk. Any coach will tell you that this chart is ludicrous:

    Giannis has the ball in his hands more than anyone by an enormous margin. Because not only does he bring the ball down, he then gets tangled in the opponents’ defence. If they are above average team even one player can confuse him and then what?

    He chews up the clock looking for that easy shot by the rim (mid range is a myth – post about that coming up soon). This hurts the Bucks in multiple ways. Often it’s a turnover. Giannis is top in the NBA in turnovers most years.

    When it’s not a turnover it’s a mediocre or bad pass with not much time left on the clock and not many options. So then everyone blames his team mates for missing! Giannis has always been terrible with turnovers, he has no dribble and no place holding the ball so much. At the end of last season he was the undisputed champ of the turnovers as always. Assist to turnover ratio is even worse.

    The Bucks have a similar problem in defence where Giannis is slow to switch or to even understand what is going on. Again, against easy opponents in the regular season he seems awesome. But in harder match ups he really has no clue why and how they are scoring against him. People talk about his stats, blocks and such but fail to compare regular season Giannis with playoff Giannis. The drop off is enormous.

    Can Giannis learn how to play modern basketball? The answer is ‘no’ or ‘absolutely impossible’. Can he find a role in a different team set up. We don’t know. He has a similar problem with the Greek national team despite a variety of different coaches trying to help him. For sure his dribbling skills are not improving. If anything the NBA officiating let’s him get away with murder most of the time and still he is near the top of the negative list of most offences for travelling, palming, 3second rules on both ends and offensive fouls. He simply can’t control his body well and he can’t think fast enough to adjust.

    SOURCES FOR THIS POST:

    YOUTUBE VIDEO AS PER LINK

    STATMUSE.COM