Milwaukee Bucks 2017-18 Season Review: Giannis Antetokounmpo
By Adam McGee
Summer focus and final grade
More than improving on any singular element of his game, Antetokounmpo’s summer focus should be getting some rest for his body after a long and arduous season.
Not only did Antetokounmpo struggle with minor knee and ankle injuries at different points of the season, but he was still asked to take on a monumental workload in both minutes and usage every time he stepped on the floor.
While continuing to work on his jump shot will remain a source of discussion across the NBA, Antetokounmpo’s own primary focus for improvement rests more on the mental side of the game rather than any on-court element.
When he addressed the media at end of season exit interviews, Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to improve as a leader.
"“Right now, all I’m thinking about is how I can be a better leader, how I can take control of the game when I want to take control of the game — late, early, set a tone, stuff like that. I know the talent is there, the work ethic is there, but now it’s the simple things that make your team a winning team.”"
Beyond that, Antetokounmpo also expressed an interest in getting to spend some time with Kobe Bryant.
"“I would love to work with Kobe. Hopefully, get in touch with Kobe, and get a few days just to work on my footwork, my mentality, what he thinks I could do better, watch some clips with him, some tape with him.”"
Any minor improvements from Antetokounmpo will make him all the more difficult to stop, but first and foremost, the priority has to be on getting himself fresh and ready for the new season, both mentally and physically.
As it is, Antetokounmpo is already one of the league’s very best players. Continued maturity and more experience will only help him to improve even further, and based on how good this season was, that’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
BTBP Final Grade: A
Next: Milwaukee Bucks 2017-18 Season Review: Malcolm Brogdon
Make sure you stick with us over the coming days and weeks as we review the rest of the Bucks’ seasons individually.