For the longest time, All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the Milwaukee Bucks’ engine for its success on the court. But for Stephen Jackson, one of the team’s former stars, the Greek Freak has a major flaw to his game and it can be his undoing in the future.
Antetokounmpo first entered the NBA as the Bucks’ 15th overall pick in the 2013 Draft. Unlike his game right now, his rookie campaign projected him to be more a raw prospect rather than the elite player who led Milwaukee to a championship. Back then, he only averaged 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists during his first year in the league.
The Greek Freak would eventually improve over the years and lead Milwaukee to consistent playoff appearances. Along the way, Antetokounmpo won the Most Improved Player award in 2017, an MVP in 2019, and another one in 2020 to go along with a Defensive Player of the Year award. He was also named to eight All-Star Games and seven All-NBA teams during the course of his career.
In 2021, Antetokounmpo won the big one when he led the Bucks over the Phoenix Suns to win the championship. However, in the two seasons that followed Milwaukee has failed to return to the Finals and contend for another ring.
Former Milwaukee Bucks Star Stephen Jackson Points Our Major Problem With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Game
While Antetokounmpo is regarded as the one the NBA’s best players, there is a big flaw to his game. Jonas Panerio explains more in an article about former Bucks star Stephen Jackson’s observation in an episode of All The Smoke Unplugged.
“Jackson raises a solid point, as Giannis typically relies on his strength, length, and athleticism to get as close to the rim as possible, where he’ll finish with a dunk or a layup. Eleven seasons into his career, the seven-time All-NBA team member is a career 28.6 percent shooter from beyond the arc.
While Greek Freak is undoubtedly unstoppable from close range, where he made 82 percent of his shots this season, he only converted 33 percent on shots 10-16 feet out,” Panerio wrote.
All things considered, Antetokounmpo’s offensive game can be considered one-dimensional since he wouldn’t do well outside the paint. However, his impact on defense can’t be denied as the All-Star is an elite-level defender when healthy.
It remains to be seen whether Antetokounmpo will address this part of his game by adding a jumper during the offseason. If he does, the entire league will take notice and the Bucks will be more dominant than ever.
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