Some former teammates have described Giannis as “tough to play with,” citing his high standards and occasional trust issues with teammates. John Henson noted that Giannis and Khris Middleton “butted heads” as Middleton had to earn Giannis’ trust, and that Giannis’ approach is challenging for some players to adjust to. This is not uncommon among superstar-led teams, where the franchise is built around one transcendent talent but Giannis is particularly limited in skill set and basketball IQ. I am not the only arguing that his style of play is out of touch with modern NBA basketball.
Giannis’ style used to be predicated on relentless effort, two-way play, and a focus on team defence and hustle. In the past years he has clearly toned down his defence though, focusing on points/assists and rebound statistics. This has shaped the Bucks’ roster construction, often favouring players who are willing to buy into a team-first, Giannis-oriented mentality over ball-dominant stars. This means that the Bucks are not the ideal destination for certain types of superstars, but have consistently attracted role players and two-way contributors who don’t mind never been in the limelight and putting up with Giannis‘ selfish stat padding.
The Bucks’ organisation is known for its lack of drama and its commitment to a collective culture. Players who embrace this culture—such as Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez—have flourished one day and then received hate the next. In the long term it seems nice but it is a toxic and unwelcoming environment as the fans demand more rings unfairly. The pinnacle? Giannis saying he “did it the right way” and thus demoting his team as “not superstars”. The ultimate put down to the roster that got him there.
The Giannis Playstyle: A Double-Edged Sword for Teammates
Giannis’s unique, drive-heavy, rim-attacking style used to be incredibly effective. He still seems to get to the basket at will in the regular season, drawing fouls and creating opportunities. However, this very strength can become a challenge for complementary players.
Spacing Concerns: Giannis thrives with open lanes to the basket. This often necessitates surrounding him with multiple high-volume three-point shooters. For players who prefer to operate in the mid-range or post, or who aren’t elite perimeter shooters, playing alongside Giannis can feel constricting. The paint can get clogged, limiting their own offensive creativity and effectiveness. While the Bucks have worked to optimize their offense around him, the core principle remains: Giannis needs space to wreak havoc.
Ball Dominance vs. Player Role: While Giannis is an unwilling passer and his game naturally dictates a high usage rate. He thinks he is at his best with the ball in his hands, attacking downhill. This can reduce opportunities for other star-level players who are accustomed to being primary ball-handlers or creating their own shots. Players might worry about their offensive rhythm, their statistics, and ultimately, their overall impact on a team where Giannis is the undisputed offensive hub.
“No Bag” Narrative : Giannis’ lack of a consistent jump shot, dribbling skills or diverse offensive arsenal is a real problem in 2025. Most players might prefer to play with a superstar who offers more traditional versatility, believing it opens up the game more for everyone. No two ways about it, Giannis is a ball hog and a one trick pony.
Team Building Challenges Around a Max Superstar
The nature of the NBA’s salary cap and luxury tax makes building a championship contender around a max-contract superstar incredibly challenging.
Limited Flexibility: With Giannis commanding a significant portion of the salary cap, the Bucks often have limited financial flexibility to acquire other high-caliber talent. They often rely on astute drafting, shrewd trades, and value free-agent signings to fill out the roster. This can make it difficult to consistently surround Giannis with the optimal supporting cast, especially as complementary players age or decline.
Pressure to Win Now: The presence of a superstar like Giannis creates immediate championship expectations. This “win-now” mentality can lead to short-term decisions that might not be sustainable, and if the team falls short, the pressure intensifies on everyone, including new additions.
It’s just a bad narrative and we have seen it play out every year since the championship. It’s always “Giannis was great but needs help” (which is 100% not true as I analyse here.) “Giannis got 30 but what about everyone else?” even though they hardly saw the ball at all! The entire Bucks organisation is built around satisfying his every whim and Giannis seems to have guided transfers and coaching changes to suit that. What room does that leave for anyone else?
It’s not about a lack of respect for Giannis, but rather a complex calculation of on-court fit, team dynamics, and personal aspirations that often dictates where top talent chooses to play. The quest for an NBA championship is multifaceted, and sometimes, the perfect fit isn’t just about raw talent, but about how all the pieces, including the superstar, truly complement each other. It is often said that Giannis lacks basketball IQ on the court. Well it seems he lacks it off the court as well in terms of a solid long term plan.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak,” has long been considered one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA. With his rare combination of size, speed, strength, and skill, he has dominated opponents since breaking out in the 2016-17 season. However, as his career progresses and opposing teams gain more experience facing him, a growing number of players have demonstrated the ability to slow him down—or even stop him outright—in one-on-one situations.
The Evolution of Defending Giannis
Giannis’s game is built on his ability to attack the rim with relentless aggression. Standing at 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan, he can cover ground in a few strides, overpower smaller defenders, and finish through contact. Early in his career, teams struggled to find answers, often resorting to double-teams or “building a wall” in the paint. However, as the NBA has evolved, individual defenders with the right blend of physical tools, basketball IQ, and discipline have begun to crack the code. These players don’t always shut Giannis down completely, but they’ve forced him into inefficient nights or key stops that shift the momentum of games.
Case 1: Draymond Green – The Defensive Mastermind
Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors’ defensive anchor, is one of the few players who can consistently challenge Giannis in isolation. Green’s combination of strength, lateral quickness, and elite basketball IQ makes him a unique matchup. At 6’6”, he gives up significant height to Giannis, but his ability to anticipate moves and use leverage compensates for the size disparity.
Example: March 18, 2025 – Bucks vs. Warriors
March 18, 2025, Green showcased his defensive prowess against Giannis. Late in the third quarter, with the Bucks trailing by five, Giannis received the ball at the top of the key, looking to drive. Green positioned himself slightly off Giannis, baiting him into a downhill attack. As Giannis accelerated, Green slid his feet perfectly, cutting off the driving lane. When Giannis tried to spin back for a jumper, Green’s quick hands disrupted the rhythm, forcing a contested mid-range shot that clanked off the rim. Later, in the fourth quarter, Green denied Giannis a layup by stepping up to contest a Damian Lillard three-pointer before recovering to block Giannis at the rim. This sequence highlighted Green’s ability to read plays and use his physicality to disrupt Giannis’s flow.
Why It Works: Green’s success stems from his understanding of Giannis’s tendencies. He knows Giannis prefers to get to the basket rather than settle for jumpers, so he prioritises staying in front and forcing tough shots. Green’s low centre of gravity also prevents Giannis from bullying him in the post.
Case 2: Anthony Davis – The Length Advantage
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers is another player who has had success against Giannis, leveraging his length and timing to contest shots at the rim. At 6’10” with a 7’6” wingspan, Davis can match Giannis’s physicality while providing elite shot-blocking instincts.
Example: December 2024 – Bucks vs. Lakers
During a December 2024 matchup, Davis put on a clinic against Giannis. In the second quarter, Giannis drove baseline, looking for one of his signature dunks. Davis, positioned near the restricted area, timed his jump perfectly, meeting Giannis at the apex and swatting the shot into the stands. Later, in crunch time, Giannis tried a Eurostep to evade Davis, but AD’s long arms stayed with him, forcing Giannis into an awkward floater that missed badly. Giannis finished that game with 24 points, but shot just 9-for-20, a testament to Davis’s impact.
Why It Works: Davis’s length allows him to contest Giannis’s shots without fouling, a critical factor given Giannis’s ability to draw contact. His mobility also lets him recover quickly if Giannis gets a step, making it harder for the Greek Freak to finish at his usual clip.
Case 3: Bam Adebayo – Strength Meets Versatility
Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo is a rare big man who can switch onto Giannis and hold his own. At 6’9” and 255 pounds, Adebayo combines brute strength with the agility to mirror Giannis’s drives, making him a formidable one-on-one defender.
Example: February 2024 – Bucks vs. Heat
In a February 2024 game, Adebayo took on Giannis in a pivotal moment. With the game tied late in the fourth, Giannis isolated against Adebayo at the elbow. He tried a quick first step to blow by, but Adebayo stayed low and absorbed the contact, forcing Giannis into a spin move. As Giannis went up for a layup, Adebayo’s strong hands stripped the ball cleanly, leading to a fast-break score for Miami. Giannis scored 28 points that night, but Adebayo’s defense limited his efficiency, holding him to 11-for-23 shooting.
Why It Works: Adebayo’s physicality neutralizes Giannis’s strength advantage, while his quick feet prevent easy blow-bys. His ability to switch and defend in space also disrupts Milwaukee’s pick-and-roll actions involving Giannis.
Case 4: Aaron Jones – The Wall of Toronto
Aaron Jones, the Toronto Raptors’ lanky forward, has emerged as a Giannis stopper in recent years. At 6’10” with a 7’4” wingspan, Jones uses his length and defensive instincts to clog driving lanes and contest shots.
Example: January 2025 – Bucks vs. Raptors
In a January 2025 matchup, Jones made life difficult for Giannis. Early in the game, Giannis tried to power through Jones in the post, but Jones stood his ground, forcing a double-team that led to a turnover. Later, in the third quarter, Giannis drove middle, only for Jones to slide over and block a dunk attempt with both hands. Giannis finished with 25 points, but his 8-for-19 shooting reflected Jones’s impact.
Why It Works: Jones’s length and timing disrupt Giannis’s rhythm, particularly on drives. His willingness to take on the physical challenge also prevents Giannis from establishing deep post position.
Case 5: Jaren Jackson Jr. – The Rim Protector
Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. brings a mix of size, agility, and shot-blocking to the table, making him another tough matchup for Giannis. At 6’11” with a 7’4” wingspan, Jackson can protect the rim while staying mobile enough to contest Giannis on the perimeter.
Example: November 2024 – Bucks vs. Grizzlies
In a November 2024 game, Jackson got the better of Giannis in a key sequence. With the Bucks up by two in the fourth, Giannis attacked off a screen, aiming for the rim. Jackson, sagging off his man, met Giannis in the air and blocked the shot cleanly. On the next possession, Jackson forced Giannis into a contested mid-range jumper that missed, sealing a Grizzlies win. Giannis scored 27 points but shot 10-for-22, with Jackson’s defense playing a big role.
Why It Works: Jackson’s ability to protect the rim while avoiding fouls frustrates Giannis, who thrives on free-throw opportunities. His versatility also allows him to switch onto Giannis in pick-and-roll situations.
Case 6: Dillon Brooks – The Agitator
Dillon Brooks, now with the Houston Rockets after his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, is known for his physical, in-your-face defense and willingness to take on the toughest assignments. While Brooks isn’t as tall as Giannis (6’6” compared to 6’11”), his tenacity, strength, and knack for getting under opponents’ skin have occasionally disrupted Giannis’s rhythm.
Example: April 2023 – Grizzlies vs. Bucks (Regular Season)
In a late-season game in April 2023, Brooks was tasked with guarding Giannis during a Grizzlies-Bucks matchup. While Giannis still put up 24 points, Brooks’s physicality forced him into a less efficient night, shooting 9-for-18. Brooks bodied Giannis on drives, used quick hands to poke the ball loose (Giannis had 4 turnovers), and even drew an offensive foul by standing his ground in the paint. Memphis lost, but Brooks’s effort stood out as he limited Giannis’s usual dominance at the rim, holding him to just 5-for-10 in the restricted area—a below-average mark for the Greek Freak.
Why It Works: Brooks thrives on physicality and doesn’t back down, even against bigger players. His low stance and relentless energy can frustrate Giannis, forcing him into less comfortable spots on the floor. While Brooks isn’t a consistent Giannis stopper, his ability to throw him off mentally and physically makes him a notable pest in one-on-one situations.
Case 7: OG Anunoby – The Silent Neutralizer
OG Anunoby, now with the New York Knicks after years with the Toronto Raptors, is another wing defender whose length and versatility have troubled Giannis. At 6’7” with a 7’2” wingspan, Anunoby combines size, strength, and lateral quickness to stay with Giannis on drives and contest shots.
Example: January 2023 – Raptors vs. Bucks
In a January 2023 game, Anunoby was the primary defender on Giannis for stretches. Giannis finished with 28 points, but Anunoby’s defense forced him into a 10-for-21 shooting night. In one key sequence late in the third quarter, Giannis tried to bulldoze Anunoby in the post, but OG held his position, forcing a fadeaway jumper that missed. Later, Anunoby’s quick recovery blocked a Giannis transition layup, a rare sight given Giannis’s finishing ability.
Why It Works: Anunoby’s length disrupts Giannis’s driving lanes, and his discipline keeps him from biting on fakes. His quiet, no-nonsense approach contrasts with flashier defenders, but his effectiveness is undeniable when matched up with Giannis.
Case 8: P.J. Tucker – The Veteran Anchor
P.J. Tucker, a journeyman forward known for his toughness, has faced Giannis numerous times, most notably during his stints with the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks (ironically, as Giannis’s teammate in 2021). At 6’5”, Tucker relies on strength, positioning, and sheer will to battle bigger players.
Example: May 2021 – Heat vs. Bucks (Playoffs, Game 3)
During the 2021 playoffs, Tucker was Miami’s primary Giannis defender in their first-round series. In Game 3, Giannis scored 26 points but shot just 8-for-18, with Tucker hounding him relentlessly. In one memorable play, Giannis tried to back Tucker down in the post, but Tucker dug in, forced a double-team, and caused a turnover. Tucker’s physicality kept Giannis from getting clean looks close to the basket, limiting him to 4-for-9 in the paint.
Why It Works: Tucker’s low center of gravity and veteran savvy allow him to body up Giannis without fouling out. His experience facing Giannis in practice (during their Bucks tenure) also gave him insight into Giannis’s moves, making him a crafty individual stopper when motivated.
These cases show that while Giannis remains a matchup nightmare in the regular season, certain players can exploit specific weaknesses or tendencies. Brooks brings chaos and physicality, Anunoby offers length and poise, and Tucker provides grit and IQ. Most teams simply don’t bother in the regular season because the way Giannis attacks the paint is simply too dangerous physically and why risk injury?
What These Examples Reveal
These instances highlight a few common threads in stopping Giannis:
1. Physicality and Length: Players like Davis, Jones, and Jackson use their size and reach to contest shots Giannis usually finishes with ease.
2. Anticipation and IQ: Green and Adebayo excel at reading Giannis’s moves, staying a step ahead to disrupt his rhythm.
3. Discipline: Avoiding fouls is crucial, as Giannis is one of the league’s best at getting to the line. These defenders stay vertical and use their bodies wisely.
While these players have had success in individual matchups, stopping Giannis entirely remains a team effort. Double-teams, help defense, and schematic adjustments still play a major role. However, the emergence of one-on-one defenders capable of holding their own against him signals a shift. As Giannis ages (he turned 30 in December 2024) and the league adapts, his dominance may face more challenges from savvy defenders who’ve studied his game.
Giannis is done evolving. He hasn’t really added a more reliable mid-range game or improved his playmaking. He is not forcing defenders to respect his jumper and passing. The cat-and-mouse game continues, but for now, players like Green, Davis, Adebayo, Jones, and Jackson have shown that the Greek Freak isn’t invincible. The question is: can Giannis respond to this growing resistance?
