Giannis Antetokounmpo: 3 areas he can still improve in

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 20: (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Free throw shooting

The most immediate area of concern, Antetokounmpo’s ability to hit during his trips to the free throw line will be crucial under the most pressurized moments.

A career 72.4 percent free throw shooter, the 25-year-old has taken a huge step back in his free throw efficiency this year as he’s downed 63.3 percent of his attempts from the foul line.

Considering Antetokounmpo gets to the free throw line more than any other NBA player not named James Harden, the reigning MVP’s ability to make good on his many free throw opportunities will mitigate any way opposing teams will look to exploit his struggles in this department.

Antetokounmpo’s free throw struggles can certainly be traced back to his troubles during the Bucks’ playoff run a season ago and especially during their Conference Finals series against the Toronto Raptors. Antetokounmpo went 107-for-168 from the free throw line over the playoff run (63.7 percent) and was 35-of-60 from the line in that series against Toronto (58.3 percent).

Before this 2019-20 season was suspended due to the coronavirus, Antetokounmpo was trending upwards after ironing out his shooting routine, even going as so far as taking technical free throws for the Bucks on some occasions. Now we’ll just have to see if that can continue if and when the season resumes.

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