Never considered a great shooter, Giannis Antetokounmpo does not really manage to improve in this area. Has his franchise decided to make a drastic decision about him? We have a first answer.
Scoring machine since his arrival in the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo relies above all on his physique to dominate. He has no problem scoring on a counterattack and throwing at full speed, to the point that the defenses build walls of multiple players to stop him. Despite all that, the Greek Freak is at 27.3 points average this season.
But in order for him to become truly unstoppable, everyone invites Giannis to improve his shoot. If so, then his opposing defender will be unable to defend a potential shot well, while covering a racket penetration. Problem? The Freak can’t do it.
With a 28% behind the arc and a 59% on the line, Giannis is in trouble shooting. There are a few meetings, against the Nets, DeAndre Jordan even gave him carte blanche to take three-point shots, which the Bucks failed to do. And we have to believe that Milwaukee knows about it, since the reigning MVP has not tried three points in the last two games, a first under the leadership of Mike Budenholzer.
So who is responsible? Not the team, according to the coach:
Budenholzer told us Antetokounmpo not attempting a 3-pointer in consecutive games for the first time during his tenure in Milwaukee was not any sort of directive from him.
Instead, it just sort of happened organically.
– Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) February 4, 2021
Budenholzer told us that the fact that Antetokounmpo does not try for three points in several games was not a directive on his part. It just happened naturally.
Instead, Giannis doesn’t force anything and prefers to stick to his qualities. A good thing that stood out against the Pacers on Wednesday, with a game of 21 points (7/8 shooting), 14 rebounds and 10 assists in 31 minutes. Behind, the Bucks easily won 130-110.
Like what, Antetokounmpo should perhaps drop the three points. However, and with a better selection of shots, the Freak is expected to start again soon. It’s up to him to find the right balance.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the three points, it’s over to this day. For now, let’s say the Bucks can congratulate themselves on that.
