Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: position

  • Has Giannis Really Played All Five Positions?

    Has Giannis Really Played All Five Positions?

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s unique combination of size, speed, and skill has led to a persistent narrative: Giannis has played all five positions. This claim gets tossed around in highlight reels, podcasts, and casual fan debates, but how much truth is there to it? He relies heavily on drives, can’t even shoot free throws to save his life, has almost zero play making skills, has completely given up trying from 3pt land, terrible off the ball, rarely cutting or setting screens to create space, his post game lacks refined footwork or go-to moves. Let’s face it. He ain’t gonna improve either. Defence? Even worse limitations! Giannis struggles to stay in front of smaller, quicker guards on the perimeter due to his size and lateral quickness limitations, making him less effective in switch-heavy schemes against certain match ups. His aggressive help defence leads to overcommitting, leaving shooters open or creating gaps in the Bucks’ defensive rotations. He often gets caught on screens, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, where his recovery speed doesn’t always match his rim-protecting instincts. And of course against sharp-shooting teams, his closeouts on three-point shooters are abysmally slow.

    Defining the Five Positions

    To evaluate this claim, we first need to define what we mean by “playing all five positions.” In traditional basketball, the five positions are:

    1. Point Guard (PG): The primary ball-handler, playmaker, and floor general, responsible for initiating the offense and distributing the ball.
    2. Shooting Guard (SG): Typically a perimeter-oriented player focused on scoring, often via outside shooting or driving.
    3. Small Forward (SF): A versatile wing player who balances scoring, defense, and sometimes playmaking.
    4. Power Forward (PF): A frontcourt player who combines physicality, rebounding, and scoring, often in the post or mid-range.
    5. Center (C): The anchor of the paint, responsible for rim protection, rebounding, and scoring close to the basket.

    In today’s NBA, the lines between these positions have blurred, with “positionless” players like Giannis thriving in multiple roles. But for Giannis to have “played all five positions,” he would need to have meaningfully performed the primary responsibilities of each role in actual NBA games, either as a starter or in specific stints.

    Giannis’s Positional Journey

    Giannis, at 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan, entered the NBA in 2013 as a lanky, raw prospect with the Milwaukee Bucks. Over the years, his role has evolved significantly, which fuels the myth of his five-position versatility. Let’s examine his career arc and the positions he’s actually played.

    Small Forward: His Natural Starting Point

    When Giannis debuted, the Bucks listed him as a small forward. His early role leaned heavily on his athleticism, with responsibilities including:

    • Transition scoring
    • Slashing to the basket
    • Perimeter defense against wings

    This is the position where Giannis spent the bulk of his early career (2013–2016). His lanky frame and guard-like agility made him a prototypical modern small forward, capable of guarding multiple positions and running the floor. Official NBA tracking data from Basketball-Reference lists him as a small forward for his first three seasons, and this aligns with his on-court role under coaches like Jason Kidd.

    Power Forward: The Modern Role

    As Giannis bulked up and developed his game, the Bucks shifted him to power forward, especially under coach Mike Budenholzer starting in 2018. This is where Giannis has thrived most, leveraging his size and skill to:

    • Attack mismatches in the post
    • Serve as a help defender and rim protector
    • Grab rebounds and initiate fast breaks

    His dominance as a power forward earned him back-to-back MVPs (2019, 2020) and a Finals MVP in 2021. NBA tracking data confirms that Giannis has played the majority of his minutes at the 4 (power forward) in recent seasons, with advanced lineup data from Cleaning the Glass showing him logging over 70% of his minutes at power forward from 2018 to 2023.

    Center: Occasional Stints

    Giannis has also played center, particularly in small-ball lineups. The Bucks have used him at the 5 in specific situations, such as:

    • When Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis is off the floor
    • In playoff matchups against smaller teams (e.g., the 2021 Nets series)
    • During “death lineup” configurations to maximize spacing and speed

    According to NBA.com’s lineup data, Giannis has spent roughly 10–15% of his minutes at center in recent seasons, often in crunch time or against teams lacking a traditional big. In these stints, he handles rim protection, rebounding, and even some pick-and-roll defense. However, he’s rarely the primary center for extended periods, as Milwaukee prefers Lopez’s floor-spacing and rim protection for most minutes.

    The Guard Positions: Where the Myth Stumbles

    Here’s where the “all five positions” claim starts to fray. While Giannis’s ball-handling and playmaking have improved dramatically—he averaged 5.6 assists per game in the 2022–23 season and often initiates Milwaukee’s offense—the idea that he’s played point guard or shooting guard in a meaningful way doesn’t hold up.

    Point Guard: The “Point Giannis” Hype

    The “Point Giannis” narrative took off in 2016 when Jason Kidd famously called Giannis the Bucks’ point guard. That season, Giannis’s usage as a ball-handler increased, and he ran more pick-and-rolls and transition plays. But calling him a point guard was more about hype than reality. Here’s why:

    • Role vs. Position: Giannis brought the ball up and initiated offense, but he wasn’t guarding opposing point guards like Damian Lillard or Chris Paul. His defensive assignments remained wings and forwards.
    • Box Score Evidence: Basketball-Reference and NBA.com still listed him as a forward, and his minutes at the 1 were negligible (less than 5% per Cleaning the Glass).
    • Playstyle: Giannis’s playmaking often came from the high post or after grabbing defensive rebounds, not from running a traditional point guard’s half-court offense.

    While Giannis has point guard skills—dribbling, passing, and vision—he hasn’t played the point guard position in the way players like Jrue Holiday or Damian Lillard have done for Milwaukee.

    Shooting Guard: The Weakest Link

    The claim that Giannis has played shooting guard is even shakier. Shooting guards in the modern NBA (e.g., Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell) are typically perimeter scorers who rely on outside shooting and off-ball movement. Giannis, by contrast:

    • Shoots sparingly from three (career 28.6% from three as of 2025)
    • Rarely plays off-ball as a catch-and-shoot threat
    • Doesn’t guard opposing shooting guards like Bradley Beal or Zach LaVine. (And if he does it kills his team as per Tyrese blowing by him multiple times in clutch time in these playoffs…)

    Lineup data shows no significant minutes logged at the 2. His role has never resembled that of a shooting guard, even in small-ball lineups where he’s more likely to slide to center than guard a perimeter scorer.

    Why the Myth Persists

    So why does the “all five positions” narrative stick? Several factors contribute:

    1. Positionless Basketball: The NBA’s shift toward positionless play blurs traditional roles. Giannis’s ability to handle, pass, score, and defend multiple players makes him seem like he could play any position, even if he doesn’t.
    2. Highlight Plays: Viral clips of Giannis dribbling past guards or switching onto point guards in crunch time fuel the perception of him as a five-position player.
    3. Coach and Media Hype: Comments like Jason Kidd’s “point guard” label and media narratives about Giannis’s versatility amplify the myth without rigorous analysis.
    4. Fan Imagination: Giannis’s freakish athleticism invites fans to imagine him dominating any role, even ones he hasn’t played.

    The Reality: Giannis Is not a Versatile Forward

    Giannis has undeniably played three positions—small forward, power forward, and centre—with significant minutes and impact. He hasn’t logged meaningful time as a point guard or shooting guard, nor has he performed their primary duties (e.g., running a half-court offence or playing as an off-ball shooter).

    Advanced metrics support this. According to Defensive Player Versatility Index (DVPI) from 2023, Giannis ranks among the top forwards in guarding multiple positions, but his matchups are predominantly against wings and bigs, not guards. Offensively, his usage rate (around 32% in recent seasons) reflects a forward’s role, not a guard’s.

    So it’s not true, yet another Giannis hype myth

    The myth that Giannis Antetokounmpo has played all five positions doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. He lacks the flexibility to play point guard and shooting guard in a traditional sense. While he has guard-like skills (ball-handling, play making), he doesn’t run a half-court offence like a point guard or play off-ball as a perimeter shooter like a shooting guard. His defensive assignments rarely include guarding opposing guards, and lineup data shows negligible minutes at these positions Next time you hear someone claim Giannis has played all five positions, ask for the game tape. Chances are, they’re just caught up in the legend of the Greek Freak.

    Sources

    • Basketball-Reference.com for positional data and career stats
    • NBA.com for lineup and tracking data
    • Cleaning the Glass for advanced positional breakdowns
    • ESPN and The Athletic for historical context on Giannis’s role evolution
  • Jon Horst’s Tenure as Milwaukee Bucks GM: where his fault ends and Giannis’ starts

    Jon Horst’s Tenure as Milwaukee Bucks GM: where his fault ends and Giannis’ starts

    Since taking the helm as General Manager of the Milwaukee Bucks in June 2017, Jon Horst has transformed the franchise into a perennial NBA contender, culminating in the 2021 NBA Championship. At just 34 years old when appointed, Horst was an unexpected choice, stepping into the role after John Hammond’s departure to Orlando. Despite his youth and relatively low profile, Horst’s strategic vision, bold decision-making, and ability to build around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo have solidified his reputation as one of the NBA’s elite executives. This blog post dives into the key aspects of Horst’s tenure, highlighting his successes, challenges, and overall impact on the Bucks.

    Early Years: Building a Foundation

    Horst inherited a promising but unpolished roster featuring a young Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and a mix of role players. His early tenure was marked by significant moves to reshape the team and establish a championship-caliber culture.

    Key Early Moves

    • Eric Bledsoe Trade (November 2017): Just months into his role, Horst executed a pivotal trade, sending center Greg Monroe and two draft picks to the Phoenix Suns for point guard Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe brought defensive tenacity and offensive dynamism, addressing a need for a reliable guard. While Bledsoe’s playoff performances were inconsistent, his regular-season contributions helped elevate the Bucks’ competitiveness.
    • Hiring Mike Budenholzer (May 2018): After firing Jason Kidd midseason, Horst made a franchise-altering decision by hiring Mike Budenholzer, a coach known for maximizing roster talent. Budenholzer’s system unlocked Antetokounmpo’s potential and transformed the Bucks into a defensive and offensive juggernaut.
    • Drafting Donte DiVincenzo (2018): With the 17th pick, Horst selected DiVincenzo, who became a versatile contributor with his shooting and defensive instincts. Though injuries slowed his rookie year, DiVincenzo’s growth into a key rotation player showcased Horst’s eye for talent.
    • Signing Brook Lopez (2018): Horst’s signing of Lopez to a one-year, $3.4 million deal proved to be a masterstroke. Lopez evolved into an elite three-and-D center, anchoring the Bucks’ defense and stretching the floor for Antetokounmpo. This bargain contract remains one of Horst’s shrewdest moves.

    These decisions laid the groundwork for the 2018-19 season, where the Bucks achieved a league-best 60-22 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Horst’s efforts earned him the 2019 NBA Executive of the Year award, a testament to his rapid impact.

    The Championship Era: 2020-2021

    The 2019-20 season ended in disappointment with a second-round playoff exit, prompting Horst to make aggressive moves to bolster the roster around Antetokounmpo, whose contract extension loomed large.

    Major Offseason Moves

    • Jrue Holiday Trade (November 2020): Horst swung a blockbuster deal, acquiring All-Star guard Jrue Holiday from New Orleans. The trade cost significant assets, including multiple first-round picks, but Holiday’s two-way play, leadership, and clutch performance were pivotal in the Bucks’ championship run.
    • Signing Giannis to a Supermax Extension (December 2020): Convincing Antetokounmpo to sign a five-year, $228 million extension was Horst’s most critical achievement. The move secured the Bucks’ cornerstone and signaled the franchise’s commitment to winning. Antetokounmpo cited his trust in Horst as a key factor in his decision.
    • Bryn Forbes and Bobby Portis Signings: Horst added sharpshooter Bryn Forbes and forward Bobby Portis on bargain contracts. Forbes provided critical shooting, notably in the playoffs, while Portis became a fan favorite and reliable bench scorer. Both players outperformed their modest deals, showcasing Horst’s ability to find value.
    • P.J. Tucker Trade (March 2021): Horst acquired veteran forward P.J. Tucker, whose defensive versatility and toughness were instrumental in the playoffs, particularly against Kevin Durant in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    These moves culminated in the 2021 NBA Championship, the Bucks’ first in 50 years. Horst’s ability to complement Antetokounmpo and Middleton with a balanced supporting cast—featuring Holiday, Lopez, Portis, and others—earned widespread praise. Everyone lauded Horst as the “architect of a championship roster,” with fans crediting his vision for building around Giannis who after all has many, many weaknesses as a player. It was no mean feat. He even managed to keep Giannis off the team at critical moments so Khris could get him to the final. Then , with everything more or less decided in the series, Giannis had a couple of good games thus making the myth about his playoff ability. (Of which as we all now see he actually has none.) Horst is a magician!

    Post-Championship Challenges: 2022-2024

    While the 2021 title was a high point, Horst faced challenges in maintaining the Bucks’ dominance, particularly with aging role players and limited draft capital.

    Mixed Results

    • Playoff Disappointments (2022-2023): The Bucks suffered a second-round exit in 2022 against Boston and a shocking first-round loss to Miami in 2023 as the No. 1 seed. Critics questioned Horst’s roster construction, pointing to a lack of depth and inconsistent performers like Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen. Some fans called for Horst’s job, arguing he failed to build a sustainable supporting cast. The truth? It was amazing he got them as far as he did with Giannis clearly past his prime, playing less and less defence and focused on stat padding to the detriment of the team.
    • Draft Struggles: Horst’s draft record has been a weak point. Picks like D.J. Wilson (2017) and others failed to yield significant contributors, and the Bucks’ limited draft capital due to trades has hindered long-term roster building. It is to be expected since his diva Giannis, after making such a fuss about NOT wanting to play on a superteam, then demanded they get someone like Dame.
    • Firing Mike Budenholzer (May 2023): After the 2023 playoff upset, Horst made the bold decision to part ways with Budenholzer, hiring Adrian Griffin as his replacement. The move was divisive, and Griffin’s tenure was short-lived, leading to further scrutiny of Horst’s coaching decisions. Again, was the Horst or was this Giannis? We have all seen how Giannis acts on court, grabbing the chart and pretending he knows best, always blaming everybody else, humble for show only.

    Resurgence with Damian Lillard (2023-2024)

    Horst rebounded with a franchise-altering trade in September 2023, acquiring superstar guard Damian Lillard from Portland. The trade, which sent Jrue Holiday to Boston, was a high-risk, high-reward move to pair Lillard with Antetokounmpo and Middleton. Despite another first-round exit in 2024, exacerbated by injuries to key players, the acquisition signaled Horst’s willingness to take big swings to maximize the Bucks’ championship window and to appease Giannis’ constant moaning and groaning about getting no help. Meanwhile the way Giannis acts he is killing the resale value of any player on the Bucks by making them all look like they are useless.

    In the 2024 offseason, Horst navigated the NBA’s restrictive second apron rules, signing veterans Delon Wright and Taurean Prince to bolster depth. Fans on X praised these moves, with one user giving Horst an “A+” for his creativity under financial constraints.

    Strengths of Horst’s Tenure

    1. Star Retention and Recruitment: Horst’s ability to secure long-term extensions for Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday, while adding stars like Lillard, has kept Milwaukee competitive. His relationship with Antetokounmpo has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s stability.
    2. Value Signings: Players like Lopez, Portis, and Forbes, signed on cost-effective deals, have consistently outperformed expectations, demonstrating Horst’s knack for finding undervalued talent.
    3. Bold Trades: From Bledsoe to Holiday to Lillard, Horst has shown a willingness to make aggressive trades to improve the roster, even at the cost of draft picks.
    4. Cultural Impact: Horst has fostered a winning culture, supported by state-of-the-art facilities like Fiserv Forum and a collaborative front office. His leadership has made Milwaukee an attractive destination for players and executives.
    5. Protecting Giannis. It has been clear all along that Giannis simply lacks basketball IQ. Both on the court and off the court he is terrible when it counts. Yet the Bucks’ marketing has managed to keep him as the darling of NBA media despite his clear inability to improve.

    Legacy and Future Outlook

    Jon Horst’s tenure as Bucks GM is defined by remarkable highs—most notably the 2021 championship and the 2019 Executive of the Year award—and navigable lows. His ability to build a contender around Antetokounmpo, secure key extensions, and execute blockbuster trades has cemented his status as a top-tier GM. While draft struggles and recent playoff disappointments have drawn criticism, Horst’s proactive approach, as seen in the Lillard trade and 2024 offseason moves, suggests he remains committed to chasing titles.

    As the Bucks enter the 2024-25 season, Horst faces pressure to deliver another deep playoff run with a core of Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Middleton. Speculation about a potential move to Detroit, fuelled by his Michigan roots, adds intrigue, but Horst’s loyalty to Milwaukee—where his family calls home—seems steadfast.

    Why Giannis Bears Responsibility for the Bucks’ Recent Struggles, Not Jon Horst

    While some fans and analysts point fingers at General Manager Jon Horst for roster construction, a closer look suggests that two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance and decisions on the court are more significant contributors to the team’s recent failures.

    Giannis’ On-Court Shortcomings in Critical Moments

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is undeniably one of the NBA’s elite, with a resume boasting two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and a 2021 championship. However, his postseason performances in recent years have exposed limitations that have hindered the Bucks. In the 2023 playoffs, Giannis struggled with free-throw shooting, a recurring issue that proved costly against the Miami Heat. His 44.7% free-throw percentage in that series allowed opponents to exploit the “Hack-a-Giannis” strategy, disrupting Milwaukee’s offensive rhythm.

    In 2024, injuries sidelined Giannis for key playoff games against the Pacers, but even when available, his inability to adapt to modern defensive schemes has been evident. Teams like Miami and Indiana have used wall-like defenses to clog the paint, daring Giannis to shoot from outside. Despite GM Jon Horst’s public confidence in Giannis developing a 3-point shot, his career 3-point attempts remain low (1.5 per game), and his 28.6% shooting from beyond the arc in the 2023-24 season shows little progress. This predictability allows opponents to neutralize his dominance, placing pressure on teammates to compensate.

    Moreover, Giannis’ high usage rate (34.9% in 2023-24) and tendency to dominate the ball can stifle the Bucks’ offense. Posts on X have criticized his reluctance to pass, with some fans noting that he “stopped passing the ball” due to a lack of trust in the roster. While this reflects frustration, it also highlights a failure to elevate teammates in crunch time, a hallmark of other superstars like LeBron James or Nikola Jokić.

    Injuries and Availability Issues

    Giannis’ injury history has also played a significant role in the Bucks’ recent postseason woes. He missed crucial games in both the 2023 and 2024 playoffs, including the entirety of the 2024 first-round series against the Pacers due to a calf strain. While injuries are unpredictable, Giannis’ physical playing style—relying on explosive drives and rim attacks—may contribute to his recurring ailments. His 2021 playoff run, despite a hyperextended knee, was triumphant, but subsequent injuries suggest a need for better load management or stylistic evolution to preserve his health. Here I broke down exactly why Giannis is 100% to blame for these injuries. After more than a decade in the NBA it really is not justifiable by any player to act so selfishly and plain dumb.

    Horst, on the other hand, has prioritized player wellness, emphasizing “awareness, sensitivity, concern, and education” in areas like nutrition and mental health. The Bucks’ state-of-the-art facilities and medical staff are designed to keep players like Giannis healthy, yet his absence in pivotal moments has left the team vulnerable, regardless of roster depth.

    Giannis’ Influence on Team Decisions

    As the Bucks’ cornerstone, Giannis wields significant influence over roster moves, and his preferences have occasionally backfired. In 2020, he pushed for the acquisition of Bogdan Bogdanović, a close friend, but the deal collapsed, leading to a public relations misstep and a lost draft pick. While Horst took the blame, Giannis’ involvement in the process underscores his role in shaping the roster. His supermax extension in 2020, while a commitment to Milwaukee, also locked the Bucks into a high-cost core, limiting Horst’s flexibility under the luxury tax.

    Contrast this with Horst’s proactive moves. The 2023 trade for Damian Lillard was a bold attempt to pair Giannis with another All-NBA talent, addressing the need for a second superstar after Jrue Holiday’s departure. Despite the trade’s mixed results, Horst’s willingness to take risks—without Giannis explicitly demanding the move—shows his commitment to maximizing the championship window. Horst also secured long-term extensions for core players like Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, ensuring continuity around Giannis despite the fact that the entire league has figure him out and his trade value is sinking fast. The entire team constantly puts their needs and their egos aside to pamper and appease Giannis.

    Horst’s Track Record of Success

    Jon Horst’s tenure as GM has been marked by calculated risks and tangible results. Since taking over in 2017, he has transformed the Bucks into a perennial contender. His hiring of coach Mike Budenholzer in 2018 led to a 60-win season and the 2019 Executive of the Year award. The 2021 championship roster, featuring Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton, was largely Horst’s creation, with strategic additions like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton proving vital.

    Even in the face of setbacks, Horst has shown adaptability. After the failed Bogdanović trade, he pivoted to acquire Grayson Allen, who became one of the league’s top 3-point shooters in 2021-22. In 2023, facing a top-heavy roster, Horst added Jae Crowder to bolster defence, though the move didn’t pan out. Critics argue that Horst’s draft record is weak and the roster lacks depth, but these issues stem partly from trading picks for win-now players like Holiday and Lillard, moves designed to appease Giannis’ championship aspirations.

    The Milwaukee Bucks’ recent failures are not the fault of Jon Horst, who has consistently made bold moves to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo. From securing a championship in 2021 to trading for Damian Lillard, Horst has shown a commitment to keeping Milwaukee competitive, even at the cost of draft picks and salary cap flexibility. Giannis, while a generational talent, bears responsibility for his postseason struggles—whether through persistent free-throw woes, limited outside shooting, or injury-related absences. His influence on team decisions and reluctance to adapt his game have compounded the Bucks’ challenges. As the Bucks move forward, Giannis must evolve to meet the demands of playoff basketball, rather than expecting Horst to perpetually retool a roster around his limitations.

    Jon Horst has been an exceptional GM for the Milwaukee Bucks, transforming a promising team into a championship powerhouse. His strategic foresight, bold decision-making, and ability to maximise limited resources have set a high standard. While challenges remain, Horst’s track record suggests he’s the right leader to guide the Bucks toward further success. Giannis? Not so sure. The Bucks are at a dead end, and it’s on Giannis, not Horst.