Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: trades

  • The Milwaukee Bucks Won’t Be Championship Contenders Next Season

    The Milwaukee Bucks Won’t Be Championship Contenders Next Season

    The Milwaukee Bucks, champions just a few short years ago, are entering a critical juncture. While they possess one of the league’s most promoted forces in Giannis Antetokounmpo, a closer look at their current state, and specifically how Giannis’s unique skill set impacts the team, suggests that another championship run next season is highly improbable. The “Greek Freak’s” severe limitations, coupled with his overwhelming dominance on the way the team plays, create a structural imbalance that can not easily be overcome. Worse still, the team is paying for many mistakes Giannis made in his demands for coaching staff changes and roster changes. It has led to a dead end with no assets to use.

    The Roster Roulette: A Step Backward

    The 2024-25 off season has not been kind to the Bucks. The surprising waiver of Damian Lillard due to injury and contract issues, in favour of acquiring Myles Turner, marks a significant shift. While Turner is a top-tier rim protector and floor spacer, he doesn’t fill the void left by Lillard’s elite shot creation and offensive gravity. Reports suggest even Giannis himself was “not thrilled” with the Lillard decision, indicating potential friction within the team.

    Furthermore, key pieces from their championship run have either departed or are ageing. Brook Lopez moved to the Clippers, and the current roster, beyond Giannis and Turner, consists of role players like Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr. While capable, this is far from a championship-calibre supporting cast. The team’s lack of draft capital (they don’t own their own first-round pick until 2031) severely limits their ability to acquire young talent or make significant trades for a legitimate second option. This leaves the Bucks in a precarious position, with few avenues for substantial improvement. And Giannis is in fact getting worse.

    Giannis’s Dominance: A Double-Edged Sword

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is undeniably a generational talent. His relentless attacking of the paint, unparalleled athleticism, and defensive versatility used to make him a nightmare for opposing teams. He’s one of the most physically dominant players in NBA history. However, his very dominance, paradoxically, can become a limitation in the modern playoff landscape.

    1. The Lack of a Consistent Outside Shot: This remains Giannis’s most glaring weakness. While he has shown flashes of improvement, his inconsistent jump shot, particularly from beyond the arc, allows defences to “wall off the paint” and pack the lane. In the playoffs, where defences become more sophisticated and disciplined, this strategy can severely hinder the Bucks’ offensive flow. Without a reliable perimeter threat from their primary offensive initiator, the offence can become predictable and stagnant, especially in crunch-time situations against elite defences.

    2. Offensive Predictability and Playoff Walls: Teams have consistently exploited Giannis’s preference for driving to the basket by building defensive walls. While he can often power through, this approach forces him into contested finishes or difficult passes, leading to turnovers or inefficient possessions. For the Bucks to truly contend, they need a more diversified offense that doesn’t solely rely on Giannis’s paint attacks. Without a true secondary play maker who can consistently create their own shot or exploit the space Giannis does create, the offence will continue to struggle against top-tier defences.

    3. The Burden of Creation: Giannis’s dominance means he carries an immense offensive burden. While he’s improved as a passer, the team often lacks other players who can consistently create offence, particularly against set defences. This can lead to exhaustion for Giannis over a long playoff series and limit the overall creativity and unpredictability of the Bucks’ attack. The departure of Lillard only exacerbates this issue.

    4. Screen-Setting Issues: While Giannis’s physical prowess suggests he’d be an elite screen-setter, his execution in this area has been criticised for inconsistency. Effective screens are crucial for generating offensive flow and creating advantages, especially in pick-and-roll heavy offences. If Giannis isn’t consistently setting strong, precise screens, it diminishes the effectiveness of plays designed to free up teammates or exploit mismatches. In fact you can safely say that Giannis is one of the worse screeners in the NBA. He simply does not understand angles and timing.

    5. Over reliance on physicality. Giannis’ game is built on physical dominance, but this style is less effective in the postseason, where officiating tends to be more lenient, and physicality alone isn’t enough to overcome strategic adjustments. Teams with versatile defenders, such as the Boston Celtics with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown or the Philadelphia 76ers with Joel Embiid, can challenge Giannis physically while exploiting his lack of perimeter finesse. His reliance on bullying his way to the rim becomes less effective when referees swallow their whistles, and his lack of a refined mid-range or post game limits his scoring versatility.

    The Path Forward: A Difficult Reality

    Given the current roster construction and the inherent limitations that arise from Giannis’s dominating yet specific skillset, the Milwaukee Bucks are unlikely to be a championship contender next season. Their salary cap situation and lack of draft assets further complicate any significant roster improvements.

    For the Bucks to return to championship contention, a fundamental shift might be necessary. This could involve finding a truly elite, versatile secondary star who complements Giannis’s game and alleviates some of his offensive burden, or Giannis himself making significant strides in areas like his perimeter shooting and consistent off-ball movement to diversify the offence. However, with the current outlook, the path to another Larry O’Brien trophy for the Bucks appears steep and fraught with challenges. The future, while still anchored by a superstar, looks more like a struggle for playoff relevance than a march to the Finals.

    The Competitive Landscape

    The Bucks’ championship odds for 2025-26 remain mediocre, with most sports books placing them in the middle of the pack—far from the league’s elite. The Bucks rank outside the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating, a historical red flag for championship aspirations. Elite teams typically dominate in at least one area; the Bucks, built around Giannis, are stuck in the middle. Since their extremely lucky (probably gifted by the league) 2021 championship, the Bucks have failed to advance past the conference semifinals, often falling to teams that exploit their offensive predictability and lack of late-game versatility. Giannis simply can’t perform at NBA playoff level.

    A Ceiling Defined by Giannis’ Limitations

    The Milwaukee Bucks’ championship hopes hinge on Giannis Antetokounmpo, but his limitations—poor outside shooting, free-throw struggles, limited play making, and reliance on physicality—create a ceiling that the current roster and system cannot overcome. While Giannis remains a transcendent talent, the Bucks’ over-dependence on his strengths without adequately addressing his weaknesses makes them predictable and exploitable in the postseason. Combined with an ageing core, defensive vulnerabilities, and a brutal Eastern Conference, Milwaukee is likely to fall short of championship contention in the 2025-26 season. For the Bucks to return to title contention, they would need to retool their roster, diversify their offensive approach, and hope for significant growth in Giannis’ skill set—none of which seem imminent.

  • Trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Houston Rockets Makes No Sense

    Trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Houston Rockets Makes No Sense

    The idea of trading Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and one of the league’s most dominant players, to the Houston Rockets has surfaced in speculative discussions. While the Rockets are a young, rebuilding team with promising talent, such a trade would be illogical for both Giannis and Houston.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo: A Dominant Force with Notable Flaws

    Giannis, often referred to as the “Greek Freak,” is a generational physical talent. His ability to dominate in the paint, defend multiple positions, and lead fast breaks used to be unmatched. However, even a player of his calibre has weaknesses that teams must account for when building around him. These flaws—namely his lack of a consistent outside shot, limited play making vision, and struggles in high-pressure half-court offence—make a trade to the Rockets a poor fit.

    1. Lack of Consistent Outside Shooting

    Giannis’ most glaring weakness is his inconsistent jump shot, particularly from beyond the arc. In the 2023-24 season, Giannis shot just 27.4% from three-point range on 1.3 attempts per game, per Basketball-Reference. While he’s improved marginally over the years, he remains a non-threat from deep, allowing defenses to sag off him and clog the paint. This is problematic for a Rockets team that emphasizes spacing and perimeter-oriented play.

    Houston’s young core—Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Cam Whitmore—relies heavily on driving lanes and open three-point looks. The Rockets ranked 7th in the NBA in three-point attempts per game (35.8) in 2023-24, per NBA.com. Pairing Giannis with this group would shrink the floor, as defenders could ignore him on the perimeter and collapse on Houston’s slashers. Without a reliable shooting big man (like Brook Lopez in Milwaukee) to pull defenders away, Giannis’ presence would stifle Houston’s offensive flow.

    2. Limited Playmaking Vision

    While Giannis is an elite scorer and rebounder, his playmaking is not at the level of other superstars like LeBron James or Nikola Jokić. He averaged 6.5 assists per game in 2023-24, but many of these come from straightforward kick-outs or dump-offs rather than intricate reads. His tunnel vision in high-pressure situations often leads to predictable passes or turnovers (3.7 per game last season).

    The Rockets’ offense thrives on ball movement and quick decision-making, with players like Fred VanVleet and Alperen Şengün facilitating from multiple positions. Adding Giannis, who demands the ball to maximize his impact, could disrupt this rhythm. Şengün, in particular, is a hub for Houston’s offense, averaging 5.0 assists in 2023-24. Forcing him to defer to Giannis would stunt his development and diminish the Rockets’ fluid, egalitarian system.

    3. Struggles in Half-Court Offense

    Giannis excels in transition, where his athleticism and length make him unstoppable. However, in the half-court, his game can become one-dimensional. Without a reliable jumper or elite playmaking, he often relies on bulldozing to the rim, which invites help defense and leads to inefficient possessions. In clutch situations, his free-throw shooting (65.7% in 2023-24) becomes a liability, as teams intentionally foul him to stop the clock.

    The Rockets, under coach Ime Udoka, are building a disciplined, versatile offense that balances inside-out play. Giannis’ heavy reliance on paint scoring would clash with Houston’s need for a more varied attack. Additionally, the Rockets’ lack of elite shooters (outside of VanVleet) means they can’t compensate for Giannis’ half-court limitations the way Milwaukee does with players like Damian Lillard or Khris Middleton.

    Why the Rockets’ Roster and Timeline Don’t Align with Giannis

    Beyond Giannis’ weaknesses, the Rockets’ current roster composition and rebuilding timeline make this trade a non-starter.

    1. Mismatched Timeline

    At 30 years old (as of December 2024), Giannis is in his prime and focused on winning championships now. The Rockets, however, are a young team focused on developing their core, which includes players like Green (22), Şengün (22), and Smith Jr. (21). Houston’s 41-41 record in 2023-24 was a step forward, but they’re not yet contenders. Trading for Giannis would require giving up multiple young assets and draft picks, gutting their future for a player whose prime may not align with their competitive window.

    Giannis’ contract, which runs through 2027-28 with a player option, is also a massive financial commitment. The Rockets, with their cap flexibility, are better suited to developing cost-controlled young players rather than taking on a supermax deal that limits their roster-building options.

    2. Defensive Redundancies

    Giannis used to be an elite defender, capable of guarding 1-through-5 and anchoring a top-tier defence. However, the Rockets already have strong defensive pieces in Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson, who collectively provide versatility and rim protection. Adding Giannis would create redundancies, as Houston doesn’t need another paint-oriented defender at the expense of offensive spacing. Giannis can’t think and adapt as fast as they are currently operating, he would downgrade their D. Moreover, Giannis’ defensive impact thrives in systems with strong perimeter defenders to funnel opponents toward him.

    3. Trading Assets for a Poor Fit

    To acquire Giannis, the Rockets would likely need to part with Şengün, Green, and multiple first-round picks—assets that are the cornerstone of their rebuild. Şengün, in particular, is a rising star whose playmaking and scoring in the post complement Houston’s system far better than Giannis’ skill set. Trading him for a player with overlapping strengths (paint dominance) and exploitable weaknesses (shooting and half-court creation) would be a step backward.

    Additionally, the Bucks would have little incentive to trade Giannis to a non-contender like Houston unless overwhelmed by an offer. Milwaukee would likely demand proven stars or high-value picks, which the Rockets can’t afford to surrender without derailing their long-term vision.

    The Cultural and Strategic Disconnect

    Giannis is a loyal, culture-defining superstar who has repeatedly expressed his commitment to Milwaukee. His leadership style—intense, workmanlike, and team-first—fits a veteran-led contender, not a young, unproven squad like the Rockets. Houston’s culture under Udoka emphasizes discipline and growth, but integrating a player of Giannis’ stature could create pressure to win immediately, disrupting the organic development of their core.

    Strategically, the Rockets are better off targeting players who complement their existing roster. A stretch big or a two-way wing would address their needs without the complications of Giannis’ fit. For example, a player like Kevin Durant (if available) or a sharpshooting big like Karl-Anthony Towns would provide the spacing and versatility Houston needs to take the next step.

    No Texas for Giannis

    Trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Houston Rockets is a fantasy that collapses under scrutiny. His weaknesses—lack of outside shooting, limited play making, and half-court struggles—clash with Houston’s spacing-dependent, egalitarian offence. The Rockets’ young core, rebuilding timeline, and defensive redundancies further underscore the poor fit. For Giannis, a move to a contender with shooters and a proven system makes far more sense, especially as over the past years he seems confused and incapable of handling high pressure playoff situations. For the Rockets, staying the course with their promising youth is the smarter play. This trade is a lose-lose proposition that belongs in the realm of speculation, not reality.

  • Giannis Trade Rumors: The NBA’s Annual Obsession

    Giannis Trade Rumors: The NBA’s Annual Obsession

    It’s like groundhog day every time. For nearly a decade, the NBA off season has been punctuated by one recurring story line: the potential trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion. Like an annual ritual, speculation about the “Greek Freak” leaving Milwaukee floods headlines, social media, and podcasts, driven by the league’s superstar-centric culture and the Bucks’ small-market challenges. But Giannis is mainly the one to blame.

    The Genesis of the Giannis Trade Saga

    The seeds of Giannis trade rumors were planted in the late 2010s, as Antetokounmpo evolved from a raw prospect into a dominant force. By 2018, his back-to-back All-Star appearances and Most Improved Player award (2017) made him a cornerstone for Milwaukee, but the Bucks’ playoff shortcomings—consecutive early exits in 2017 and 2018—sparked questions about whether a small-market team could build a championship roster around him. As his contract neared its end in 2020, the rumors hit a fever pitch. Would Giannis stay loyal to Milwaukee, or would he bolt for a bigger market like Miami, Toronto, or Golden State?

    The Bucks quelled the speculation by securing Giannis with a five-year, $228 million supermax extension in December 2020, followed by a championship in 2021. Yet, the trade chatter never truly died. Each year, a new wave of articles, X posts, and analyst hot takes reignites the debate, fueled by the NBA’s relentless appetite for superstar drama.

    The Annual Cycle: How It Happens

    Giannis trade rumors follow a predictable pattern, triggered by specific events and amplified by media and fan speculation. Here’s how the cycle unfolds, with examples of relevant articles and references from recent years:

    1. Triggering Events: Playoff Disappointments or Cryptic Comments

    Every rumor cycle begins with a catalyst—usually a Bucks playoff loss or a vague statement from Giannis. These moments provide fodder for speculation about his satisfaction with the team.

    • 2019: Playoff Loss to Toronto
      After the Bucks fell to the Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals, questions about Giannis’s future surfaced. An ESPN article by Tim Bontemps (May 2019, “Bucks’ future hinges on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s next move”) speculated that a lack of postseason success could push Giannis toward a bigger market, with teams like the Warriors and Heat mentioned as suitors.
    • 2020: Contract Uncertainty
      As Giannis’s contract decision loomed, the rumor mill exploded. A Bleacher Report piece by Eric Pincus (September 2020, “5 Teams That Could Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo”) outlined potential blockbuster deals, naming Dallas and Miami as top destinations. X posts from fans and insiders, like @NBACentral, amplified the buzz, with one viral post reading, “Heat are preparing a massive offer for Giannis if he doesn’t sign the extension.”
    • 2023: First-Round Exit and Giannis’s Comments
      The Bucks’ stunning first-round loss to the Miami Heat in 2023, coupled with Giannis’s postgame remarks about prioritizing winning over loyalty, sent shockwaves through the league. A Yahoo Sports article by Dan Devine (April 2023, “Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is uncertain after playoff collapse”) dissected his comments, suggesting he might demand a trade if the Bucks couldn’t contend. X users piled on, with @HoopsRumors tweeting, “Giannis to Miami? The vibes are strong after that presser.”
    • 2024: Another Early Exit
      The Bucks’ 2024 first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers, hampered by injuries to Giannis and Damian Lillard, reignited the rumors. An NBA.com analysis by Shaun Powell (May 2024, “Bucks’ title window shrinking? Giannis’s next move looms large”) questioned whether Milwaukee’s core could stay competitive. Social media posts tagged #GiannisTrade spiked, with users speculating about a move to the Knicks or Thunder.

    2. Media Amplification: Articles and Trade Scenarios

    Once a trigger event occurs, national and local media outlets churn out speculative pieces, often proposing elaborate trade packages or dream destinations. These articles, while hypothetical, lend credibility to the rumors and keep them alive.

    • 2021: Post-Championship Speculation
      Even after the Bucks’ 2021 title, some outlets couldn’t resist. A Sports Illustrated article by Michael Shapiro (August 2021, “Could Giannis Antetokounmpo still leave Milwaukee?”) argued that a future trade wasn’t off the table if the Bucks regressed. The piece cited the Nets and Lakers as potential landing spots.
    • 2022: Quiet Year, But Still Rumors
      Despite a strong 2022 season, a CBS Sports article by Sam Quinn (July 2022, “Ranking the top 5 stars most likely to be traded: Is Giannis next?”) included Giannis on a speculative list, pointing to Milwaukee’s aging roster as a concern. Social media discussions followed, with @TheAthleticNBA polling users: “Would Giannis ever leave Milwaukee? Where would he go?”
    • 2025: The Latest Wave
      As of May 2025, the Bucks’ inconsistent 2024-25 season—marked by injuries to Khris Middleton and uneven play from their Lillard-Giannis duo—has fueled a fresh batch of articles. A recent ESPN piece by Zach Lowe (April 2025, “Milwaukee’s make-or-break offseason: Will Giannis stay patient?”) explores the Bucks’ roster challenges and names the Heat, Knicks, and Spurs as teams with the assets to pursue Giannis. Local outlet Milwaukee Journal Sentinel countered with a piece by Jim Owczarski (May 2025, “Why Giannis Antetokounmpo remains committed to the Bucks”), but the national narrative dominates.

    3. Social Media Fuel and Fan Speculation

    Social media is of course the epicentre of Giannis trade rumours, where fans, insiders, and trolls amplify the noise. Every off season, hashtags like #GiannisTrade or #BucksOffseason trend, with users posting mock trades, memes, and hot takes.

    • 2023 Example: After Giannis’s “I want to win” comments, @NBABuzz tweeted, “Giannis to the Heat would break the NBA. Imagine him with Bam and Butler.” The post garnered thousands of likes, sparking debates about trade feasibility.
    • 2024 Example: Following the Pacers loss, @BasketballTalk shared a fan-made trade graphic sending Giannis to the Knicks for Julius Randle, draft picks, and fillers. The post went viral, prompting Knicks fans to flood X with “Giannis in MSG” hype.
    • 2025 Example: This year, social media users have zeroed in on Miami again, citing Giannis’s friendship with Bam Adebayo. A May 2025 post by @SlamOnline read, “Sources say Miami is monitoring Giannis’s situation closely. Heat Culture fit?” The post, while unsourced, fueled thousands of replies.

    4. Slow News Days and Offseason Hype

    The NBA offseason is notoriously slow, and Giannis trade rumors fill the void. Analysts and podcasters lean into hypotheticals to keep audiences engaged, often recycling old narratives. For instance, a 2023 episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast” (July 2023) spent 20 minutes debating Giannis-to-Boston scenarios, despite no evidence of a trade. Similarly, a 2024 “First Take” segment on ESPN (June 2024) featured Stephen A. Smith proclaiming, “If the Bucks flop again, Giannis is GONE!”—a claim that generated clicks but lacked substance.

    Why the Rumors Persist

    Several factors ensure Giannis trade talk remains an annual fixture:

    • Superstar Leverage: In the player-empowered NBA, stars like Giannis wield immense control. A single ambiguous comment—like his 2023 remark, “I don’t want to stay if we’re not competing”—can spark weeks of speculation.
    • Small-Market Insecurity: Milwaukee’s small-market status makes it a perpetual underdog in retaining talent. The Bucks lack the glitz of Miami or New York, feeding narratives that Giannis might crave a bigger stage.
    • Playoff Pressure: Giannis’s postseason performance is scrutinized intensely. Early exits, like 2023 and 2024, raise doubts about the Bucks’ supporting cast, prompting trade hypotheticals.
    • Media Incentives: Trade rumours drive engagement. Outlets know Giannis’s name guarantees clicks, and social media thrives on polarising debates, ensuring the cycle repeats.

    The 2025 Rumor Landscape

    As of May 2025, the Bucks’ up-and-down season has kept Giannis trade rumors alive. Injuries, chemistry issues with Lillard, and a tough Eastern Conference have raised concerns about Milwaukee’s title hopes. Recent social media posts highlight Miami and New York as top destinations, with @HoopCentral tweeting, “Knicks have the picks and young talent to make a Giannis trade work. Would it be worth it?” Meanwhile, Bucks fans push back, citing Giannis’s loyalty and the team’s 2021 title as reasons he’ll stay.

    Why Giannis Stays (For Now)

    Despite the annual frenzy, Giannis has reaffirmed his commitment to Milwaukee repeatedly. In a 2024 press conference, he said, “This is my home. I want to win here.” His 2020 supermax deal runs through 2027, and trading him would require a historic haul—multiple stars, picks, and salary fillers—that few teams can offer without gutting their roster. The Bucks’ front office has also shown aggression, landing Lillard in 2023 to bolster their core.

    The Bigger Picture

    The Giannis trade rumor saga is a microcosm of the NBA’s obsession with superstar movement. Each year, the league craves the next blockbuster, and Giannis—given his transcendent talent and Milwaukee’s vulnerabilities—is the perfect lightning rod. At 30, he remains a top-five player, capable of reshaping any franchise. While a trade isn’t imminent, the annual speculation reflects the NBA’s high-stakes drama and the enduring allure of “what if.” Until Giannis retires or the Bucks collapse, expect the trade rumours to return every off season, as reliable as the changing seasons. And Giannis makes it worse as certain actions and comments from him contribute to the speculation.

    1. Cryptic or Ambiguous Comments: Giannis has made statements that, while honest, leave room for interpretation. For example, after the Bucks’ 2023 playoff loss to Miami, he said, “I want to play for a team that’s going to compete for championships,” and emphasized he wouldn’t stay somewhere just for loyalty if winning wasn’t possible. These remarks, quoted in a Yahoo Sports article (April 2023), sparked widespread debate about his commitment to Milwaukee. Similarly, in 2024, his comment about needing “the right pieces” to contend, reported by ESPN, reignited speculation. While Giannis likely intends to motivate his team or express competitive drive, the NBA’s hyper-scrutinized media landscape amplifies such quotes into trade rumors.
    2. Superstar Leverage and Silence: In the player-empowered NBA, stars like Giannis hold significant influence, and their silence on rumors can be as loud as their words. Giannis rarely shuts down trade speculation definitively. For instance, during the 2020 contract saga, he let rumors swirl for months before signing his supermax, as noted in a Bleacher Report piece (September 2020). Even post-extension, he doesn’t always dismiss trade talk outright, which allows media and fans on X to speculate freely. His reserved approach, while understandable, gives outlets like ESPN or The Athletic fuel to publish pieces like “Will Giannis stay patient?” (April 2025).
    3. Playoff Performance and Pressure: Giannis’s postseason struggles, whether due to injury or team shortcomings, draw intense scrutiny because of his status as a top-five player. Early exits in 2023 (vs. Miami) and 2024 (vs. Indiana), detailed in NBA.com’s 2024 analysis, shift focus to his role as the Bucks’ leader. When the team underperforms, fans and analysts question whether Giannis is frustrated, especially since he’s vocal about wanting to win. His high standards, while admirable, invite narratives that he might seek a trade to a stronger contender, as seen in social media posts like @NBABuzz’s 2023 tweet: “Giannis to the Heat would break the NBA.”
    4. Friendships and Off-Court Signals: Giannis’s relationships with players like Bam Adebayo (Miami) or his occasional workouts with stars in big markets, often shared on social media, add fuel. A 2025 @SlamOnline post about Miami “monitoring Giannis’s situation” leaned on his friendship with Adebayo, even without concrete evidence. These connections, while innocent, feed speculation that he’s open to joining friends elsewhere.

    Shams tweet didn’t materialise out of nowhere. Someone fed him that information. And it’s not at all crazy to assume it is linked to Giannis and was done intentionally.

  • 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