Milwaukee Bucks 2018-19 Season Review: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Summer focus and final grade

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s summer focus will be his shooting.

The way in which the Raptors slowed him down at the crucial juncture will make Antetokounmpo even more motivated to rid his game of any weaknesses and, outside of his shot, the truth is there aren’t very many remaining.

In focusing on improved shooting, most observers will immediately turn to Antetokounmpo’s three-point range. Speaking to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Antetokounmpo, himself, pointed to Kawhi Leonard‘s midrange success as something he could learn from. In all honesty, I’m not sure any element of Antetokounmpo’s shooting is more desperately in need of improvement than his free throws, though.

Antetokounmpo’s 72.9 percent regular season success rate from the line represented his worst mark in three years. Making only 63.7 percent of his playoff free throws, and missing a total of 61 in the postseason, was even worse.

Yet this wasn’t a one-off, particularly when it comes to the playoffs. Since shooting 73.9 percent from the stripe in 2014-15 against the Bulls, Antetokounmpo made just 54.3 percent of his free throws against the Raptors in 2016-17, while he only mustered a less than stellar 69.1 percent against the Celtics last season too.

Given the nature of Antetokounmpo’s game, and the fact his greatest strength will always be his ability to get to the rim, Giannis can’t allow free throws to be an easy way out for his opponents.

Improved shooting all around would be a game-changer, but at a minimum, greater comfort at the line would be a major boost for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.

Otherwise, what else can be said about Antetokounmpo’s season? Expectations keep rapidly rising, and Giannis continues to exceed them with ease.

BTBP Final Grade: A

Our season reviews will wrap up in the coming days as we reflect on the final few remaining Bucks, including two of the team’s biggest stars.