Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: mistake

  • Just how good is alex?

    Just how good is alex?

    Alex Antetokounmpo, the youngest member of the Antetokounmpo basketball family, is currently on a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, having spent previous seasons developing in the NBA’s G League and overseas. While his career is still in its early stages, his unique athletic profile and family name have kept him in the spotlight. However, the influence of nepotism on his NBA pathway and the Bucks’ roster construction continues to provoke discussion and criticism.​

    Player Profile and Physical Attributes

    Standing at 2.03 meters (about 6’7″) with a wingspan reportedly reaching 7’2”, Alex is an athletic combo forward. His background includes experience in both European leagues (Aris Thessaloniki) and NBA G League teams, such as the Wisconsin Herd and Raptors 905. He’s known for his physical tools, competitive drive, and the potential to fill multiple forward roles on the floor.​

    Strengths

    • Athleticism and Length: Alex’s physical attributes—elite length, solid leaping ability, and good size for a wing—make him a versatile defender and potential transition weapon.​
    • Energy and Hustle: He plays with effort, often making positive hustle plays, chasing rebounds, and disrupting passing lanes with deflections.​
    • Open Floor Play: He’s particularly effective in transition and filling lanes for fast breaks, running the floor well and drawing fouls.​
    • Passing Vision and Rebounding: Alex has shown flashes as a ballhandler with decent passing instincts, and he’s a strong offensive rebounder for his position.​

    Weaknesses

    • Raw Skillset: While his athleticism is undeniable, Alex is regarded as a raw prospect. He does several things at a decent level but doesn’t yet excel in any specific area.​
    • Shooting Consistency: His shooting mechanics and shot selection are inconsistent, resulting in below-average percentages, especially from three-point range. His feet orientation and repetitive shooting form need significant work.​
    • Ball Handling: He remains turnover-prone, with loose ball-handling, especially under pressure or when forced to use his left hand.​
    • Decision Making: Tends to make questionable decisions with the ball, telegraphing passes or choosing poor moments for aggressive plays.​
    • Defensive Awareness: Despite physical tools, he sometimes struggles with defensive rotations, help defense, and maintaining focus.​

    Statistical Snapshot (G League Averages):

    SeasonTeamMPGPPGRPGAPGFG%3P%FT%
    2023-24Wisconsin Herd21.25.72.90.632.019.671.4
    2022-23Wisconsin Herd22.35.83.10.837.224.755.9
    Career18.65.02.60.636.724.763.3

    NBA Potential

    Despite his potential upside, Alex currently projects as a fringe rotation player—his ceiling will depend on significant development in skill areas and decision-making. Scouts note he could become a switchable defender and secondary playmaker with 3-and-D value, but this requires improvement in perimeter shooting, ball security, and on-ball defense.​

    Nepotism and Its Impact on the Bucks

    The Antetokounmpo family connection undeniably influences roster decisions. Giannis’s status as the franchise centerpiece has led the Bucks to extend opportunities to his brothers, including Thanasis and Alex, often at the expense of more competitive or developmental roster spots. High-profile commentators have called out this nepotism, suggesting it undermines meritocratic team building and can create resentment or frustration among teammates striving for opportunities on talent alone.

    • Limited Roster Spots: Two-way and end-of-bench positions are valuable for developing young talent. Allocating these to family members primarily for off-court harmony or star retention can stunt the growth of other prospects.​
    • Locker Room Dynamics: Nepotism may strain relationships if players feel roles aren’t earned, potentially affecting locker room morale and on-court chemistry.
    • Team Performance: While strengthening Giannis’s ties to Milwaukee may have intangible benefits, it can impair overall competitiveness if the roster isn’t built purely on merit.youtube​​

    So what’s the point?

    Alex Antetokounmpo’s NBA journey is emblematic of both the opportunities and controversies created by family ties in pro sports. He embodies raw physical talent and hustle but lacks a specialized skill set at the moment. For now, his presence on the Bucks is less a product of exceptional on-court impact than of Giannis’s influence, and ongoing nepotism risks diminishing the franchise’s talent pipeline and fairness in player development.

    The real problem is Giannis. A 30 year old adult claiming he needs his brothers around to perform? Are we all serious?

    ​There really is not that much to go on so here are all my sources for this post.

    1. https://nypost.com/2023/09/21/espns-shannon-sharpe-rips-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-for-nepotism/
    2. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46583158/bucks-sign-alex-antetokounmpo-two-way-contract
    3. https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Alex-Antetokounmpo/Summary/140079
    4. https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%86%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%BE_%CE%91%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B5%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%8D%CE%BD%CE%BC%CF%80%CE%BF
    5. https://www.nbadraft.net/players/alex-antetokounmpo/
    6. https://basketball.eurobasket.com/player/Alex-Antetokounmpo/434387
    7. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/236144/antetokounmpo-alex
    8. https://nbadraftroom.com/p/alex-antetokounmpo/
    9. https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/alex-antetokounmpo-scouting-report/
    10. https://gleague.nba.com/player/1630828/alex-antetokounmpo
    11. https://3stepsbasket.com/player/alex-antetokounmpo/advanced?season=gbl25
    12. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/alex-antetokounmpo-giannis-brother-bucks-g-league/xjijq0xhrhqf1cz455q8s0nz
    13. https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/19ffacb/why_do_the_bucks_have_thanasis_but_not_kostasalex/
    14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMkBolSFhnc
    15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGL3wtkPDUE
    16. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Antetokounmpo
    17. https://www.nba.com/player/1630828/alex-antetokounmpo
    18. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2695855-with-unlimited-potential-alex-antetokounmpo-hype-growing-to-freakish-levels
    19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepotism
    20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8vzaosGicc
  • There is only one reason to trade Khris Middleton

    There is only one reason to trade Khris Middleton

    The Milwaukee Bucks are at a crossroads.  After a disappointing early exit from the playoffs, the whispers of change are growing louder, often fuelled by Giannis with direct or indirect statements.   One name that occasionally surfaces in these discussions, much to the chagrin of sensible fans, is Khris Middleton.  Let me be absolutely clear: trading Khris Middleton would be a colossal blunder, a self-inflicted wound that could cripple the Bucks’ championship aspirations for years to come.

    Here’s why:

    1. Proven Chemistry with Giannis:  The most obvious and crucial reason.  Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo have developed an unparalleled on-court synergy.  Their two-man game is lethal, a constant source of headaches for opposing defenses.  You don’t break up a dynamic duo like that unless you’re absolutely desperate.  The Bucks’ success is inextricably linked to the Middleton-Giannis connection.  Why mess with a winning formula?  Dame has improved but is nowhere near that.

    2. Elite Shot Creation:  Middleton’s ability to create his own shot, especially in clutch situations, is invaluable.  He’s a reliable scorer who can bail the Bucks out of stagnant offensive possessions.  When defenses tighten up on Giannis, Middleton provides a crucial release valve.  He can hit contested jumpers, drive to the basket, and draw fouls.  Replacing that level of shot creation wouldn’t be easy, and it certainly wouldn’t be cheap.  And remember, we are doing all this for the playoffs, so don’t tell me about some young unproven star. Very few people can operate at the top level and we know Khris is one of them.

    3. Playoff Experience:  Middleton has been through the playoff wars.  He’s seen it all, from nail-biting victories to heartbreaking defeats.  That experience is priceless, especially when the pressure mounts in the postseason.  He knows what it takes to compete at the highest level, and he can provide veteran leadership to a relatively young Bucks squad.  You can’t teach playoff experience; it’s earned.  Even Dame isn’t close to having similar experience.

    4. Consistent Scoring Threat:  Middleton is a consistent scorer, not just a volume shooter; he’s efficient, shooting a respectable percentage from the field and from three-point range.  His scoring punch provides balance to the Bucks’ offense, preventing them from becoming too reliant on Giannis.

    5. Contract Considerations (Less Onerous Than You Think):  Yes, Middleton’s contract is significant.  However, narratives around it being an albatross are often overblown.  While not a “bargain,” it’s a manageable contract for a player of his caliber.  And let’s be honest, contending teams always have big contracts on their books.  It’s the price of doing business.

    6. The Difficulty of Finding a Replacement:  Who are the Bucks going to trade Middleton for that will provide the same level of production, chemistry, and playoff experience?  The answer is likely no one.  Finding a player with his skillset and fit within the Bucks’ system would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible.  Trading him would likely create more problems than it solves.

    7. Intangibles:  Beyond the stats and highlights, Middleton brings a level of professionalism and composure to the Bucks.  He’s a team player, a good locker room presence, and a respected leader.  These intangibles are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in team success.

    So trading Khris Middleton would be a shortsighted move that could seriously jeopardize the Bucks’ chances of competing for a championship. He’s a vital piece of the puzzle, a perfect complement to Giannis, and a proven winner.  The Bucks should be building around Middleton and Giannis, not looking for ways to break them up.  But all this is yet another Giannis mistake. That’s the only reason all this discussion keeps coming around. Front office feel they have to look like they tried everything, even though they know they can’t anyone better than Khris to help with any (very small) chances of a playoff run.  The only reason anyone is even discussing this stupidity is the ridiculous narrative that Giannis is the only player worth anything on the Bucks roster, the lone hero fighting with no help.

    Any talk of trading Khris should be immediately shut down.  It’s not just a bad idea; it’s basketball malpractice.