Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: turner

  • The “Bucks Wall of Bigs” Hype is Overly Optimistic

    The “Bucks Wall of Bigs” Hype is Overly Optimistic

    If you’ve been scrolling through NBA offseason chatter, you’ve probably seen the glowing takes on the Milwaukee Bucks’ revamped frontcourt. With Giannis Antetokounmpo anchoring the middle, the addition of Myles Turner for elite rim protection, and Bobby Portis providing that spark-plug energy, some pundits are calling it a “wall of bigs” that could reshape the Eastern Conference. Doc Rivers now has a trio of towers that, in theory, dominate both ends of the floor. Portis himself hyped it up: “We can grow together. We can get better together. You can’t really find three better bigs together on any other team.” It’s a seductive narrative—the Bucks rising back to championship glory with sheer size and athleticism.

    But hold up. As much as I love a good underdog story (or in this case, a powerhouse resurgence), this view strikes me as overly optimistic. It’s the kind of hot take that ignores the gritty realities of NBA basketball: chemistry, spacing, match ups, and the unforgiving nature of playoff hoops.

    The Spacing Nightmare: When Too Many Bigs Clog the Paint

    At the heart of the optimism is the idea that Giannis, Turner, and Portis form a versatile, energy-packed unit. Giannis, the two-time MVP and perennial All-NBA force, is the engine—driving, dunking, and defending like a freight train. Turner brings modern big-man skills: stretch-five potential with his three-point shooting (career 35% from deep) and top-tier shot-blocking (he’s led the league in blocks multiple times). Portis? He’s the ultimate sixth man, a fearless rebounder and scorer off the bench who averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds last season while shooting 40% from three.

    Sounds perfect, right? Wrong. The real issue is fit. All three players operate primarily in the paint or as rollers in pick-and-rolls. Giannis thrives on drives to the rim, where he draws fouls and collapses defences but he can’t screen, let’s face it. Turner, despite his shooting, is best as a drop-coverage centre who protects the rim without much mobility to switch onto guards. Portis is a bulldog inside, excelling in hustle plays but lacking the foot speed for perimeter defence. When you stack them together, you’re essentially turning the paint into a traffic jam.

    Imagine a possession: Giannis posts up, Turner sets a screen and rolls, and Portis crashes the boards. Defenses like the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers—teams loaded with switchable wings—will simply pack the lane and dare the Bucks to shoot from outside. Milwaukee’s offense already ranked mid-tier in three-point attempts last season (around 35 per game), and without reliable spacing from this frontcourt trio, Giannis’s efficiency could dip. He already shot his worse season ever for 3pt% last season. Hell worse in NBA history almost! Turner’s three-point volume is solid (about 3-4 attempts per game), but he’s not a volume bomber like Karl-Anthony Towns. Portis hits spot-up threes, but his attempts are sporadic and his percentages can be streaky.

    In the playoffs, where spacing is king, this could be fatal. Remember how the Bucks struggled against the Heat in 2023? Jimmy Butler feasted by exploiting poor floor balance. A “wall of bigs” might sound imposing, but without perimeter threats to pull defenders away, it’s more like a sitting duck.

    Defensive Strengths… and Glaring Weaknesses

    On paper, this trio screams defensive dominance. Giannis is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with his length and instincts. Turner is a perennial blocks leader (1.5+ per game career average), providing the anchor Milwaukee lacked after trading away Jrue Holiday’s versatility. Portis adds rebounding grit, helping control the glass (the Bucks were top-10 in defensive rebounding last year).

    But let’s pump the brakes. While they might stifle slashers and protect the rim, modern NBA offenses exploit bigs who can’t switch. Turner is a classic drop big—great at erasing shots at the hoop but vulnerable to pick-and-rolls where guards like Jalen Brunson or Tyrese Maxey can pull him out of position. Giannis can switch 1-4, but asking him to guard elite wings every night wears him down. Portis? He’s a liability on the perimeter; opponents targeted him in switches last season, and his 6’10” frame doesn’t translate to elite foot speed against quicker forwards.

    The East is a minefield of versatile scorers: Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Donovan Mitchell, and even Paolo Banchero. In a seven-game series, teams will hunt mismatches relentlessly. Doc Rivers’ defensive schemes have historically relied on communication and help defense, but integrating three bigs with overlapping roles could lead to breakdowns. And Giannis is not know for high IQ plays, adaptability or even managing to understand complex systems. It’s not just about blocks—it’s about containment. This “wall” might hold against lesser teams but crumble under sustained pressure from playoff juggernauts. Which is a very common Bucks’ theme. Everyone gets excited in the regular season but then when it matters? Zilch!

    The Perimeter Creation Void: No Shooting, No Problem? Think Again

    The optimism assumes Giannis can carry the offense as the “engine,” with Turner and Portis providing secondary scoring. But here’s the rub: Milwaukee lacks true perimeter creation. Without a secondary ball-handler or elite spot-up shooters in the frontcourt, the Bucks become predictable. Giannis’s heliocentric style works when there’s spacing, but against teams that double-team him (as the Celtics did effectively in recent years), who kicks out to? Turner’s shooting helps, but he’s not a playmaker (career 0.5 assists per game). Portis is more of a finisher than a facilitator. This trio doesn’t address Milwaukee’s need for off-ball movement or multiple creators—issues that plagued them in the playoffs.

    Compare other front courts that stretch the floor, switch seamlessly, and have multiple threats. The Bucks’ setup feels like a throwback to the 90s bully-ball era, which the three-point revolution has largely rendered obsolete.

    Injury Risks: A House of Cards Built on Health

    No discussion of this frontcourt is complete without addressing durability. Giannis is a tank, playing 70+ games most seasons, but he’s had calf and hamstring scares that sidelined him at critical times. Turner? His injury history is a red flag—he missed 25 games last season with a stress reaction in his foot and has dealt with calf strains and ankle issues throughout his career. Portis is tougher, but at 29, he’s not immune to wear-and-tear from his high-energy style.

    In a league where load management is king, relying on three bigs means depth is crucial. If Turner goes down (a real possibility given his track record), the Bucks fall back on Portis and maybe a less proven option like Sandro Mamukelashvili. Suddenly, that “unmatched trio” becomes a duo, and the wall crumbles. The optimism glosses over this fragility—health isn’t guaranteed, especially in a grind-it-out Eastern Conference. Especially the way Giannis plays. So far he has counted on teams not bothering to defend him all on in the regular season. But there are young teams and players who saw what happened in Greece vs Turkey and might want to take on the challenge. It’s not that hard. If Dillon Brooks can shut Giannis down, hey, many can.

    Doc Rivers’ Integration Challenge: Chemistry Isn’t Instant

    Doc Rivers brings championship pedigree (2008 with the Celtics), but his Bucks tenure has been rocky. Last season, Milwaukee underperformed expectations, exiting in the first round despite superstar talent. Integrating Turner—a new acquisition—alongside Giannis and Portis requires time. Rivers’ systems emphasize veteran leadership, but bigs need reps to gel on rotations, pick-and-roll timing, and defensive coverages.

    Portis’s quote about “growing together” is feel-good, but NBA reality is harsher. Chemistry takes preseason games, early-season tweaks, and avoiding early slumps. Rivers has a history of slow starts (e.g., with the Clippers), and if the frontcourt experiments flop, fan frustration could mount. This isn’t a plug-and-play unit; it’s a high-risk rebuild of the paint.

    The Eastern Conference Gauntlet: No Room for Error

    Finally, let’s zoom out. The East is stacked: Boston’s dynasty-level depth, Philly’s Embiid-led firepower, Cleveland’s young guns, New York’s grit, and Orlando’s athleticism. The Bucks’ bigs might bully some teams, but against elite defenses, they’ll struggle. The Celtics, for instance, ranked first in defensive rating last season and have wings who can body Giannis while shooters pull him away. Philly could match size with Embiid and Paul Reed, turning games into slugfests where Turner’s blocks are neutralized.

    In simulations or advanced metrics (like those from Cleaning the Glass), heavy-big lineups often underperform in pace-and-space eras. The Bucks might win 50+ games, but a deep playoff run? That’s where optimism meets reality. Last season let’s not forget that the Bucks beat zero teams above 0,500 in the regular season even.

    Tempered Expectations for the Bucks

    One of the primary concerns with pairing Turner and Giannis is their overlapping preferences for operating near the basket, which could lead to congested spacing if not managed carefully. Giannis thrives on drives, post-ups, and transition attacks, averaging 30.4 points per game last season with a heavy emphasis on paint touches. Turner, while a capable stretch big (career 35% from three on about 3-4 attempts per game), isn’t a high-volume bomber like Kristaps Porziņģis or Karl-Anthony Towns, and his scoring often comes from pick-and-rolls or spot-ups rather than creating off the dribble. In Indiana, Turner’s teams weren’t dominant on the glass or in creating open looks, and analysts worry that without elite perimeter threats around them, defenses could sag off and pack the paint, limiting Giannis’s efficiency.

    That said, Turner’s agility and shooting could mitigate this better than Brook Lopez did in recent years, allowing for more fluid movement offences like dribble hand-offs (DHOs) and short-roll decisions. Discussions online emphasise that Turner’s floor-spacing ability is a step up, potentially enabling three-guard lineups to pull defenders out. However, if Turner’s three-point volume doesn’t increase (he averaged just 3.5 attempts last season), the duo risks becoming predictable, especially in playoffs where teams like the Boston Celtics exploit poor spacing with switchable wings. Early posts from fans highlight the need for additional 3-and-D players to surround them, underscoring that their fit relies heavily on roster tweaks for optimal spacing. But this is just the common Bucks’ fans excuse isn’t it? “If only we had sharp shooters that never miss from the 3pt line…” Duh!

    Secondary Scoring and Creation: Turner as a Limited Second Option

    A glaring issue is Turner’s role as a potential second-leading scorer, especially after the Bucks traded Damian Lillard, leaving a void in perimeter creation and high-volume scoring. Turner’s career-high scoring is 18 points per game (from 2021-22), far below Lillard’s 25+ PPG output, and he’s more of a finisher than a self-creator, relying on screens and spot-ups rather than isolation plays. Analysts like those at The Athletic question whether Turner can handle the Bucks’ expectations to average more while maintaining two-way impact, noting that asking him to fill Lillard’s shoes could be overly demanding. Giannis has expressed excitement about Turner’s ability to shoot and drive, but reports suggest he’s internally questioning if Turner is a true championship-caliber second option.

    This lack of secondary creation exacerbates the Bucks’ offensive predictability. Without a reliable playmaker to alleviate pressure on Giannis, the frontcourt duo might struggle in half-court sets against elite defenses. Pundits like Bill Simmons have called the signing “desperate,” arguing that paying Turner $27 million annually highlights deeper roster flaws rather than solving them. While the Giannis-Turner pick-and-roll has “scary” potential, the team’s offensive ceiling depends on a committee approach, which could lead to inconsistent production if Turner under performs.

    Defensive Schemes: Strengths in Rim Protection but Vulnerabilities in Versatility

    Defensively, the pairing shines in theory: Giannis is arguably the best help defender in NBA history, and Turner has led the league in blocks multiple times, providing elite rim protection. Turner’s mobility is an upgrade over Lopez, allowing for better switching and perimeter pressure, potentially enabling aggressive schemes with Giannis roaming. However, Turner’s drop-coverage style exposes weaknesses in isolation match ups against quicker forwards or guards, where his foot speed can be exploited. Analysts point out that Turner isn’t a direct Lopez replacement on defence, and without addressing the Bucks’ past perimeter vulnerabilities, the duo alone won’t fix team-wide issues. Giannis is no longer the best help defender, he seems more concerned with wondering aimlessly about looking for a highlight block.

    Coaching and Team Dynamics: Integration Under Doc Rivers and Roster Depth

    Head coach Doc Rivers’ system is a potential mismatch, with critics on Reddit warning that his outdated schemes could hinder Turner’s impact, limiting the duo to regular-season success rather than playoff dominance. The Bucks’ front office views Turner as an “evolution” of Lopez, but integrating him requires chemistry-building, especially with a younger roster post-Lillard. Depth remains a red flag; as ClutchPoints notes, the Bucks lack enough support around Giannis, meaning Turner must be exceptional, not average, to open the championship window—potentially necessitating midseason trades.

    Giannis’s media day comments didn’t fully ease future concerns, hinting at underlying doubts about the roster’s competitiveness. While Turner is excited about the fit and their early communication, the pressure on this duo to gel quickly is immense, given Milwaukee’s recent first-round exits.

    Overall Assessment: High Upside with Significant Risks

    The Turner-Giannis pairing offers tantalising potential—a mobile, two-way frontcourt that could dominate the paint and stretch defences. Yet, fit issues in spacing, creation, defensive versatility, and team integration make it a gamble. For the Bucks to succeed, Turner must elevate his game, the roster needs bolstering, and Rivers must adapt. Without these, this “wall of bigs” might crumble under playoff scrutiny, as sceptics like Simmons suggest. As training camp approaches, watch for preseason chemistry; it could determine if this duo propels Milwaukee back to contention or exposes deeper flaws.Look, I get the excitement—the Bucks have talent for days, and if everything clicks, this front court could be special. Giannis is a generational force, and adding Turner’s defence addresses a key weakness. But labelling it an “unmatched trio” that will “reshape the East” ignores the NBA’s complexities. Spacing issues, defensive mismatches, creation gaps, injury woes, integration hurdles, and stiff competition make this more gamble than guarantee.

    Giannis’ Inherent Limitations: Challenges for Any Teammate

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite being one of the most dominant names in the NBA, possesses limitations that inherently make it challenging for any teammate to thrive alongside him, including someone like Turner. His subpar outside shooting—career 28.9% from three on low volume—forces defences to sag off him, clogging driving lanes and reducing spacing for others, which particularly hampers bigs who also prefer interior play and requires a supporting cast heavy on elite shooters to open up the floor. Furthermore, Giannis’s heliocentric playing style, where he handles the ball extensively (usage rate often above 30%), demands complementary pieces who excel in spot-up shooting and off-ball movement, limiting the effectiveness of players without strong perimeter skills and reducing opportunities for teammates to cut or create independently. His inconsistent free-throw shooting (around 70% career) invites “Hack-a-Giannis” strategies in crunch time, disrupting team rhythm and putting undue pressure on others to compensate during high-stakes moments. These factors create a roster-building puzzle, as analyses note how his approach maximises his own impact but can stifle team dynamics, making it tough for non-specialised players to fit seamlessly and often leading to frustrations in playoff scenarios where adaptability is key. You can’t blame it all on Doc Rivers!

    As fans, we love bold predictions, but smart analysis demands balance. The Bucks could contend, but they’re not locks for the top. Keep an eye on training camp reports and early games— that’s where the real story unfolds. Check them when the going gets tough, in clutch, against better teams.

  • Myles Turner Won’t Solve Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Problems

    Myles Turner Won’t Solve Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Problems

    The Milwaukee Bucks’ acquisition of Myles Turner in the 2025 offseason, a move that saw them waive Damian Lillard to clear cap space, was a bold gamble aimed at keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo satisfied and extending the Bucks’ championship window. Turner, a versatile 3-and-D center, brings shot-blocking prowess and floor-spacing ability to pair with the two-time MVP. However, while this move addresses some roster deficiencies, it falls short of solving Giannis’ challenges in high-pressure playoff games. This blog post delves into the reasons why Turner, despite his talents, is unlikely to be the complete solution for Giannis and the Bucks in critical postseason moments.

    The Bucks have struggled in recent playoffs, with only one series win since their 2021 title. Injuries, including Giannis’ own and Damian Lillard’s Achilles tear in 2025, have played a role, but deeper issues persist in high-pressure games. In playoff scenarios, opponents often exploit Giannis’ limitations by building defensive “walls” to clog the paint, forcing him to rely on his developing jumper or playmaking under pressure. The Bucks’ lack of a reliable point guard and inconsistent perimeter creation has compounded these issues, leaving Giannis to shoulder an immense offensive load. The hope was that Turner, with his defensive versatility and three-point shooting, would alleviate these problems. However, several factors suggest he won’t fully address Giannis’ high-pressure struggles.

    Strengths

    Myles Turner, at 29, is a proven two-way center. His defensive impact is notable, having led the NBA in blocks multiple times, including a 2021 season where he averaged nearly four blocks per game. In the 2024-25 season, he set a Pacers’ playoff record with 46 blocks during their Finals run. His ability to switch on defence, roam, and protect the rim makes him a theoretical complement to Giannis, who also excels defensively with 1.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Offensively, Turner’s 40.5% three-point shooting on passes from Tyrese Haliburton last season suggests he can stretch the floor, creating space for Giannis’ drives.

    The Bucks envision Turner as a modernized replacement for Brook Lopez, who was a key floor-spacer during their 2021 championship run. With Giannis potentially taking on more point-forward duties, Turner’s ability to shoot “wide-open” threes (121 made in 2024-25, tied for first in the NBA) could keep defenses honest. Coach Doc Rivers has praised Turner’s fit, noting his ability to switch defensively and stretch the floor, which aligns with Milwaukee’s up-tempo vision.

    Limitations

    Despite these strengths, Turner’s game has notable weaknesses that may not fully address the Bucks’ needs in high-pressure situations:

    1. Rebounding Deficiency: Turner has never been an elite rebounder, often criticized for not securing defensive rebounds to end possessions. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged just 6.9 rebounds per game despite his 6’11” frame, a stark contrast to Giannis’ 11.9 rebounds. In playoff games, where possessions are critical, Turner’s inability to dominate the glass could allow opponents to generate second-chance points, putting additional pressure on Giannis to clean up defensively.
    2. Limited Playmaking: High-pressure games often require big men to make quick decisions under defensive scrutiny. Turner is not a strong playmaker, with career averages of 1.3 assists per game and a focus on finishing rather than creating. Unlike former teammate Domantas Sabonis, who facilitated offense for the Pacers, Turner relies on guards like Haliburton to set him up. With the Bucks lacking an elite point guard after waiving Lillard, Turner’s limited passing ability may not alleviate the playmaking burden on Giannis.
    3. Inconsistent Playoff Performance: While Turner was a key contributor to the Pacers’ 2024 Finals run, he didn’t consistently close important games. For example, in matchups against Giannis, he struggled defensively, allowing Antetokounmpo to score 64 and 37 points in two games during the 2023-24 season. In high-pressure moments, Turner’s defensive impact can wane if opponents exploit his positioning or force him into foul trouble, a recurring issue given his physical style.
    4. Offensive Dependency on Setup: Turner’s offensive production, particularly his three-point shooting, relies heavily on quality guard play. In Indiana, Haliburton’s elite passing (10+ assists per game) created open looks for Turner. Without a comparable facilitator in Milwaukee, Turner’s efficiency from deep could dip, especially in playoff scenarios where defences tighten and rotations are shorter. Giannis’ play making has improved (6.5 assists per game), but he’s not a traditional point guard, and his passes to shooters like Bobby Portis (50% from three on 34 attempts) were less frequent than Haliburton’s to Turner.

    Giannis’ High-Pressure Challenges

    Giannis thrives in transition and interior scoring, leading the NBA with 779 two-point field goals in 2024-25. However, in high-pressure playoff games, teams employ specific strategies to neutralize him:

    • Paint Clogging: Opponents like the Pacers in 2024 used multiple defenders to form a “wall,” forcing Giannis to shoot from mid-range or beyond (he shot 0-1 from three in Game 4). His jumper, while improved, remains inconsistent under pressure.
    • Playmaking Pressure: Without a reliable secondary creator, Giannis often faces double-teams, leading to turnovers or forced shots. In Game 5 against the Pacers, despite a 30-point, 20-rebound, 13-assist triple-double, the Bucks lost 119-118 in overtime, highlighting the lack of support.
    • Fatigue and Injuries: Giannis’ heavy minutes (44 in Game 5) and physical style make him prone to fatigue or injury, as seen in recent playoffs. A co-star who can take over games offensively is critical, but Turner’s role is more complementary than dominant.

    Why Turner Falls Short

    1. Lack of a Primary Creator

    The Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard, a nine-time All-Star who averaged 28.0 points per game alongside Giannis, leaves a void in perimeter creation. Turner’s addition doesn’t address this. His offensive game relies on others to create opportunities, and with Giannis now expected to handle point-forward duties, the Bucks may struggle to generate consistent offence in crunch time. In high-pressure games, teams will likely dare Turner to create off the dribble or in isolation, areas where he’s unproven.

    2. Defensive Redundancy

    While Turner’s shot-blocking complements Giannis’ defensive versatility, it may not significantly elevate the Bucks’ playoff defence. Both players excel at rim protection, but the Bucks’ perimeter defence remains a concern without a lockdown guard like Jrue Holiday. In the 2024 playoffs, the Pacers exploited Milwaukee’s back court, with Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard finding gaps in pick-and-roll coverage. Turner’s ability to switch is valuable, but he’s not a perimeter stopper, and opponents can target weaker defenders like Gary Trent Jr. or Kyle Kuzma.

    3. Playoff Provenance

    Turner’s playoff resume, while solid, doesn’t match the impact of a true co-star. During the Pacers’ Finals run, he was a secondary contributor behind Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. In contrast, Giannis needs a player who can take over games when he’s double-teamed or fatigued. Turner’s career-high 40-point games are rare, and he’s never been the focal point of a playoff offense. His 2021 Defensive Player of the Year candidacy was notable, but he hasn’t consistently dominated high-stakes games.

    4. Financial and Strategic Risks

    The Bucks’ move to waive Lillard and stretch his $113 million contract over five years ($22.5 million annually) limits their future flexibility. If Turner doesn’t elevate the Bucks to contention, Giannis, who has a player option in 2027-28, may grow restless. Reports indicate mixed feelings from Giannis about the move, with some sources suggesting he was “not pleased” with Lillard’s departure despite excitement for Turner. The pressure is on Turner to deliver immediately, but his skill set may not fully address the Bucks’ postseason shortcomings.

    What Giannis Needs in High-Pressure Games

    To truly solve Giannis’ problems in high-pressure games, the Bucks need:

    • A Primary Perimeter Creator: A guard who can break down defences, create shots, and alleviate Giannis’ play-making burden. Lillard, despite his struggles, provided this to an extent. Current options like Kevin Porter Jr. or Gary Trent Jr. lack the consistency of an elite point guard.
    • Versatile Wing Defender: A player like Jrue Holiday, who could guard multiple positions and handle the ball, was critical in 2021. Turner’s interior defense is strong, but the Bucks need perimeter stoppers to counter guards like Haliburton or Jalen Brunson.
    • Clutch Scoring: Giannis’ 62% field goal percentage is elite, but his free-throw shooting (65-70% in playoffs) and lack of a reliable jumper limit his clutch scoring. Turner’s three-point shooting helps, but he’s not a go-to scorer in tight games.

    So will it move the needle?

    Myles Turner is a valuable addition to the Bucks, bringing defensive versatility and floor-spacing that complements Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game. His shot-blocking and three-point shooting address some of Milwaukee’s needs, particularly in replacing Brook Lopez. However, Turner’s limitations—weak rebounding, lack of play-making, and inconsistent playoff impact—mean he’s not the complete solution for Giannis’ high-pressure struggles. The Bucks’ lack of a primary creator, perimeter defence, and clutch scoring options remain unaddressed, and the financial burden of Lillard’s stretched contract adds pressure for immediate results. Unless Turner significantly elevates his game or the Bucks make additional moves, Giannis may continue to face the same postseason challenges, potentially fuelling speculation about his long-term future in Milwaukee. If they are lucky, maybe they get to the second round of the playoffs this year. For Giannis the No1 priority is to make sure everyone keeps blaming the rest of the roster and not him.