BTBP Roundtable: First Impressions of the 2015-16 Milwaukee Bucks

Oct 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Washington Wizards guard

(3) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Wizards beat the Bucks 118-113. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

4. Is Giannis’ current play already sustainable or do you expect to see slight drop offs throughout the year?

AM: In the long term, I think this is certainly the level he can get to, but I’m expecting fluctuations throughout the season. If he keeps bringing his relentless energy, he’ll be a difference-maker regardless. It might not always be high scoring, but rebounding or defense are other factors too. Giannis is bound to give some form of big time impact on most nights.

TW: I think there’ll be highs and lows–he’ll have off games as part of the growing pains of becoming a lead scorer, but I’m willing to bet he breaks his career-high in scoring (29) at some point too.

JT: I think it’s sustainable and I think we see more of him as a focal point of the offense down the line. He’s done a terrific job so far and even when he doesn’t have his shot going through some periods of the game, he’s still making ways to impact the game and that’s a huge development to see from him early on in the season.

JW: If anything I hope Giannis’ game can get even better than it already is. Despite averaging over 20 points a game early on, he has struggled with fouls. In his third year in the NBA, he is not yet 21 years old. I think as long as Monroe and Middleton continue to score points Giannis is fine where he is at, but he might even be better than he already is by mid-season.

JK: I see no reason why Giannis won’t continue to put up the numbers he has been. Even if his shooting percentage begins to drop, his shot attempts should increase as he progresses in this offense. His ability to control his body and finish around the rim this year has taken him to another level. I see an All-Star game in the Greek Freek’s future this season.

JH: Currently, Giannis is averaging 19.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 57.3% from the field and 45.5% from three. Giannis is not only going to sustain this rate of play but I think he is going to get better. I think there is enough room on this offense for three major scoring weapons: Antetokounmpo, Monroe, and Parker.

However, as Parker gets his game back Giannis will lose out on a few shots and a few rebounds per game but at the same time his scoring opportunities will be easier and his assist numbers will rise. I also think his defensive numbers will rise.

To summarize: Giannis game gets better and Jabari’s full return reduces some of his opportunities so overall he maintains his offensive game and improves his defensive game. I expect Giannis will average 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 55% from the field and 39% from three by seasons end.

AE: Giannis hasn’t been looking like he’s forcing shots. People were asking the same thing about Russell Westbrook last year. I think that’s a great comparison because these are two really intense guys and it’s not crazy to think that they can maintain long stretches turning it up to 11.

MH: For the most part, I think it’s sustainable. I don’t expect him to be at or above 20 points per game by the end of the season, but I think he takes a big step forward compared to last season.

The preview I wrote for the Celtics game has a blurb at the end about Giannis realizing that there’s no one like him in the league. I would love to see him impose his will and I think he can do that.

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