Bold Predictions That Could Come True For The Milwaukee Bucks
Feb 24, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots a jump shot over the defense of Philadelphia 76ers forward Hollis Thompson (31) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Bucks defeated the Sixers 130-110. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo Shoots 35 Percent From Deep
His first year in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo shot 34.7 percent from three. This was after playing division two pro basketball in Greece, think of it like playing intramurals in college and then going to the NBA.
When he got to the league he was a raw, undeveloped enigma. No one knew what he would become or what his potential was. His shot was interesting. He had good form and a decent stroke but you could tell he wasn’t someone who had been doing it his whole life because, well, he hadn’t been.
Last season Jason Kidd told Giannis not to shoot. Giannis did what his coach told him. He attacked the hoop and shot only a handful of threes, mostly at the end of shot clocks.
Now, in year three, Giannis should gain the opportunity to shoot again. The Bucks don’t want the Greek Freak to take five or more three-pointers a game, but I don’t expect him to shoot less than one a game either, as he did last season.
In the EuroBasket Olympic Qualifier tournament Giannis shot 38.7 percent from three. Now the three-point line in Olympic play isn’t as far out as the three-point line in the NBA, but his improved percentage while playing for Greece at EuroBasket is definitely encouraging.
In the EuroBasket games I watched and the highlights I have seen, Giannis looked confident in shooting his threes. He was ready and willing to fire them up in catch and shoot situations. His shot looks much more fluid now than in his first two years in the NBA. The combination of confidence and and an increased shooting percentage in competitive play is a positive sign.
He even shot 2-2 from deep in Saturday’s pre-season clash with the Washington Wizards.
I believe Jason Kidd will allow Giannis to shoot from three more often this season, perhaps three attempts per game. Giannis is going to make a lot more of these shots than people expect.
Next: Point Guard Extraordinaire