Milwaukee Bucks Midseason Grades, Part 1

Giannis Antetokounmpo – B+

I love what I’ve seen from Giannis this season. If he hadn’t started out the season playing much better than he has since, he might’ve actually gotten a better grade. Those first few games really boosted expectations on Antetokounmpo, who has struggled to play at that same level since.

Likewise, if Giannis had kept up that pace he would’ve easily gotten an A+. But considering the Greek Freak is still just 21 years old, it’s really unfair to place those lofty expectations on him.

Antetokounmpo’s indecision cost him some too–those long pauses before three-point attempts that Giannis often takes are detrimental to both his three-point percentage and confidence. If Giannis unleashes the Greek Freak in the second half of the season this grade will be higher then.

Giannis has still had a very good season, shattering his former points per game average and also increasing his rebounds, assists, steals and blocks per game marks. He’s also broken 50 percent field goal shooting for the first time in his career, which is extra impressive considering his increased volume of shots.

But he can–and will–do better. I am far more confident in that than Giannis is in his long-range game.

Next: Jerryd Bayless