Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo 2017-18 season preview

How does Antetokounmpo fit in?

For the majority of players around the league, the question of how player X fits team Y is something we’re constantly seeking an answer to. In the case for a special few like Antetokounmpo, the question is turned and we instead ask who are the players that fit around him.

After all, Antetokounmpo is the proverbial straw that stirs the Bucks’ drink (or in this case, smoothie). For this season and beyond, wherever Antetokounmpo’s play goes, the Bucks’ chances for success go.

With that, the Bucks are banking on the continuity they’ve built by retaining most of the players from last year’s roster to help them reach greater heights within the Eastern Conference and the league in general.

Antetokounmpo will enter the year without a key running mate for the third straight season as Jabari Parker continues to work his way back after tearing his left ACL for the second time in three years. Shouldering a heavier load than initially designed is something that Giannis has become accustomed to at this stage in his career, but it will be something to keep an eye on, especially with a tough schedule to start the season.

Considering how fast the team was able to find their footing again following Parker’s injury/the return of Khris Middleton, the chemistry and synergy the team developed over the last month-and-a-half of the season last year will certainly be put to the test heading into this year.

Of course, we already know Antetokounmpo will be up for the challenge to not only get the team off to a good start, but also to hit a high and consistent level of form throughout the season.