Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: no skill

  • Giannis’ Scoring Record Over the Last 3 Seasons Is Overrated

    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.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Worst NBA Statistical Categories

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Worst NBA Statistical Categories

    Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks among the worst in NBA history or current seasons in several key areas, despite his superstar status and multiple accolades. Here are the most significant statistical weaknesses in his game:

    Shooting Deficiencies

    Free Throw Shooting Crisis
    Giannis’s free throw shooting represents one of the most glaring weaknesses for any superstar player. His career average of 71.7% is concerning for someone who gets to the line frequently, but his 2020-21 season was historically poor at just 57.5%. During one game against Dallas, he went an abysmal 1-for-10 from the free throw line, joining an exclusive group of only four players in NBA history to shoot below 10% on 10+ attempts in a single game.

    Three-Point Shooting Regression
    Perhaps most troubling is Giannis’ unprecedented four-year consecutive decline in three-point percentage from 2019-2023. In 2018, he posted the worst three-point percentage (10.7% on 56 attempts) among all NBA players with at least 50 attempts, finishing dead last in the league. His current 2024-25 season shows minimal improvement at just 19% on 0.8 attempts per game. He is closer to the worse NBA season ever in this category!

    Mid-Range Shooting Disaster
    In the paint outside the restricted area, Giannis shot an abysmal 27.9% on 197 attempts during one analyzed season, ranking 62nd out of 62 qualified players – literally the worst among all players with similar volume. This represents a massive weakness in his offensive arsenal.

    Ball Handling and Decision Making

    Turnover Problems
    Giannis consistently ranks among the league leaders in turnovers, averaging 3.7 per game during his peak seasons. This is exceptionally high for a non-point guard and reflects poor ball security relative to his usage rate. His turnover rate is particularly concerning on drives, where he frequently loses control of the basketball.

    Ball Security Issues
    Despite being a primary ball handler, Giannis exhibits poor ball security when attacking the rim. His high turnover rate on drives stems from inadequate ball handling fundamentals and decision-making under pressure.

    Rule Violations and Officiating

    Free Throw Routine Violations
    Giannis has been called for multiple 10-second violations during playoff games and regularly exceeds the time limit. His free throw routine is the longest in the NBA, with opponents and crowds regularly counting to 12+ seconds before he releases the ball. The NBA’s Last Two Minute Reports have documented numerous instances where he should have been called for violations but wasn’t.

    Travel Violations
    Video analysis reveals that Giannis commits multiple traveling violations per game that go uncalled due to superstar treatment. Official NBA referee training videos have used Giannis as an example of traveling violations, yet these infractions are rarely penalized during games.

    Offensive Fouls and Charges
    Giannis frequently commits offensive fouls and charges that go uncalled, benefiting from inconsistent officiating. He’s among the leaders in uncalled charging fouls, often bulldozing through defenders without consequence.

    Clutch Performance Issues

    Late-Game Efficiency
    Despite his overall excellence, Giannis has shown declining efficiency in clutch situations. The Milwaukee Bucks have had some of the worst clutch-time offensive ratings in recent seasons, partly due to Giannis’s struggles in crucial moments.

    Fourth Quarter Performance
    Analysis shows that Giannis’s fourth-quarter efficiency often drops compared to earlier quarters, with his decision-making and shot selection becoming more questionable in pressure situations.

    Historical Context and Improvement Rate

    Lack of Skill Development
    Most concerning is Giannis’s minimal improvement in key areas despite years of practice. His three-point shooting improvement rate is among the worst for any superstar player, showing little meaningful progress over multiple seasons despite significant investment in shooting coaches and practice time.

    Unprecedented Regression
    For a player of Giannis’s caliber and MVP status, having four consecutive years of three-point percentage decline is virtually unprecedented in NBA history. Most elite players show improvement or at least maintain their shooting percentages over time.

    The comprehensive data reveals that while Giannis excels in some things in easier games and in the regular season, he ranks among the NBA’s worst performers in several crucial skills. These weaknesses become more pronounced in playoff situations where teams can exploit his limitations through strategic fouling and defensive schemes that force him into uncomfortable shooting situations.

  • Why Giannis didn’t top any Eurobasket25 stats

    Why Giannis didn’t top any Eurobasket25 stats

    Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 32.0 minutes per game across the 7 games he played for Greece in EuroBasket 2025 but in fact only faced one serious opponent, Turkey, where he failed in a most spectacular way. He was extremely lucky and wise to sit out the game vs Nurkic where he would have lost anyway. But let’s look at other EuroBasket 25 stats.

    First of all Greece is still 8th in FIBA power rankings. Turkey went up a lot, Greece didn’t. Why? Because Greece clearly did not deserve a medal! If they had met any of the other teams above them in the rankings in a knock out stage (other perhaps than Spain and Lithuania) they would have lost. They were extremely lucky with the brackets and injuries of opponents.

    Top Scorers (Total Points) Luka Dončić – Slovenia 243

    Players with many less games are at the top of all categories in fact

    Giannis also had 3.7 turnovers per game and as usual was terrible from the free throw line.

    So how did he dominate the conversations? After all just one

    bronze medal after 11 years of trying is a pretty pathetic achievement for someone who says he is one of the best players in the world. Giannis really milked sensationalism. Whether discussing death threats (ludicrous, all famous people get them all the time but don’t make a fuss about it) or acting all emotional upon winning the bronze, Giannis has also been busy enjoying fake news about his charity work. An extremely popular viral “news item” on social media claimed he donated his entire “25 million signing on bonus” which of course is 100% untrue on every level.

    Giannis was also careful to pick when and how he played. He avoided Nurkic, knowing he would be obliterated if he played that game. He

    strategically showed up when he knew he could do his thing only. And the one time he needed to be “the

    best”, against the only decent team Greece faced, Turkey wiped him out completely easily. For those desperate to idolise him it was yet another minor misfortune (as it always is since 2021, every time he faces a more serious opponent) and they quickly focused on the win against Finland instead.

    Now to the NBA, same recipe. He will dominate his personal stats, lose to the better teams and make an early playoff exit. He will indirectly blame his roster as usual and then the summer party of trade talks. It is never Giannis’ fault. After all these years in the NBA and all these years with the Greek national team, no, it’s not his fault. It’s everyone and everything else always, eh?

  • The NBA has figured out how to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo

    The NBA has figured out how to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo

    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?