The Milwaukee Bucks’ journey is always under scrutiny, especially when the Indiana Pacers, who eliminated them from the playoffs, are close to winning the NBA title. However, the focus remains on how the Bucks can improve. A key aspect is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s evolving role and playmaking ability, which could be crucial for the team’s future success and Antetokounmpo’s longevity.
This article delves into how Milwaukee can maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo’s playmaking skills, drawing insights from recent analysis and mailbag questions. We’ll explore his potential as a point forward, his changing passing dynamics, and the rationale behind Jon Horst’s extension, all while adhering to the principles that make FYM News articles rank high on Google.
LeBron James’ Influence on Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has often spoken about a 20-year NBA career, initially referencing players like Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. More recently, he’s been mentioning LeBron James, even tweeting about him. James continues to perform at a high level even at 40, setting a new standard for longevity.
“If they’re people out there that believe that one of the greatest players to ever be on earth has no bag… Man i’ve seen it all 💯🤦🏽♂️ ” – Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34)
Elite players like Steph Curry (37) and Kevin Durant (35) are also making All-NBA teams well into their careers. This trend suggests that Antetokounmpo is likely considering a similar trajectory, adapting his game to ensure long-term success.
Giannis as a Point Forward: Style and Skill Improvement
Antetokounmpo’s comments about playing “point forward” indicate both a desired style and skills he wants to improve. After a Game 5 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Antetokounmpo mentioned his vision for his final phase as a player, emphasizing playmaking and setting up teammates. He referenced LeBron James as the epitome of this role, alongside players like Pascal Siakam, Paolo Banchero, and Scottie Barnes.
Winning remains Antetokounmpo’s top priority, influencing his play style and role. However, he seemed to enjoy the “point forward” role towards the end of the season. One impressive aspect was his increased assists and decreased turnovers.
Before Damian Lillard’s injury on March 20, Antetokounmpo had 338 assists and 182 turnovers. In the 11 games following Lillard’s diagnosis, he had 95 assists and only 24 turnovers, decreasing turnovers per game from 3.25 to 2.18 and improving his assist-to-turnover ratio from 1.86 to 3.96. This shift highlights his intriguing potential as a playmaker.
Diversity in Passing: Adapting to a New Play Style
In the 2024-25 season, Antetokounmpo’s passing responsibilities evolved. Under former coach Mike Budenholzer, his passes were more predictable, focusing on downhill drives and kick-outs. This past season, the diversity of passes increased, requiring him to find teammates in tighter spaces.
Despite playing in six fewer games, Antetokounmpo significantly increased his assists to teammates in the paint. The change required more comfort in finding teammates in tight spaces. For example, an assist to Kyle Kuzma demonstrated his ability to adjust mid-drive, dribble into a post-up, and make the right pass.
As Antetokounmpo ages, these types of plays will become more crucial, reducing stress on his body and the risk of injury. Tracking data shows a shift in his playmaking style, which could help him age gracefully.
Kick-Out Assists for 3-Pointers: A Change in Shot Creation
Analysis of Antetokounmpo’s kick-out assists for 3-pointers over the past two seasons reveals a change in his shot creation. There’s a notable increase in passes where he had his back to the basket, pitching the ball out for a 3-point shooter. This shift indicates a move towards a less physically demanding style of play.
While Antetokounmpo can be devastating when driving downhill or posting up, aging gracefully may require more possessions where he is a threat with his back to the basket. This adjustment could prolong his career and maintain his effectiveness.
Rationale Behind Jon Horst’s Extension
The Bucks extended general manager Jon Horst’s contract without an official announcement. While the team hasn’t achieved high levels of postseason success since their 2021 championship, Horst still has a championship ring. Since he took over in 2017, the Bucks have a 412-225 regular-season record, the second-best in the NBA during that time.
Horst also successfully convinced Antetokounmpo to sign two contract extensions. Keeping Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee remains a top priority, and Horst has been successful in this regard for eight seasons.
Additionally, as the Bucks approached an offseason with potential questions about Antetokounmpo’s future, the organization aimed for stability at the top.
Talent vs. Cohesion: Building a Winning Roster
The question arises whether the most talented rosters or the most cohesive teams are more successful in the playoffs. While defining “most talented” is challenging, playoff basketball has evolved. The team with the best player in a series doesn’t always win, as seen in the Bucks’ losses to the Boston Celtics in 2022 and the Indiana Pacers this season, despite having Antetokounmpo.
Looking at recent NBA final four teams, the Celtics and Thunder had arguably the most talented rosters. However, the Pacers exemplify the value of depth over top-end talent, with Haliburton being their best player, an All-NBA Third Team selection. The other teams had a top-five player surrounded by talented players.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that teams need versatile and skilled players in their top eight. For the Bucks, this means focusing on finding greater depth to complement Antetokounmpo, who is considered one of the best players in the world. The off-season should prioritize players that can fill the needs.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for the Milwaukee Bucks
In conclusion, for Milwaukee to tap into Giannis Antetokounmpo’s full potential, they need to focus on his evolution as a playmaker, adapt their play style to prolong his career, and build a more versatile and deeper roster around him. The extension of Jon Horst underscores the importance of stability and continuity in this process.
The Bucks’ success hinges on creating an environment where Antetokounmpo can thrive both as a scorer and a playmaker. This involves diversifying his passing game, reducing the physical strain on his body, and ensuring he has a strong supporting cast. By addressing these factors, the Bucks can aim for sustained success and potentially another championship run. With these strategic moves, Milwaukee aims to secure their position as a top contender in the NBA, ensuring Giannis Antetokounmpo remains at the heart of their success.
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