Giannis Antetokounmpo: Corey Brewer talks MVP’s progression to stardom

Long-time NBA veteran Corey Brewer recently detailed what it is like to guard Giannis Antetokounmpo and how the Greek Freak can improve.

Over his 13 NBA seasons, journeyman wing Corey Brewer has faced off against some of the game’s biggest stars, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

More from Bucks News

• Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap?
• Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years
• Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks
• Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers
• New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited

Having recently written a piece for BasketballNews.com detailing what is has been like going up against some of the most talented players in the league, Brewer provided interesting insight when detailing what it’s like having to guard Antetokounmpo as he is developed into the MVP-caliber player he is today:

"It’s really great to see a guy like that reach that level. As a rookie, he was a skinny kid. It was kinda like, “Oh, he could be good. Yeah, we’ll see… He could be good if he works on his game.” Then, all of a sudden, he puts on the weight, he works his butt off and he gets the confidence. Confidence is such an important thing in basketball. When you work your butt off and you’re confident, it goes a long way. That’s what allowed Giannis to become Giannis. He got stronger, he got better and, most importantly, he got his swag. Once he got his swag, it was clear that we were watching a superstar who was going to get better every year. I do think his game is gonna go to another level. That may seem crazy to say about a two-time MVP, but I mean it."

In addition to his praise, Corey Brewer also detailed how Giannis Antetokounmpo can continue improving his game.

With consecutive MVP honors under his belt at just 25-years-old, Antetokounmpo’s stature as one of the league’s brightest stars continues to rise. However, despite how dominant Antetokounmpo has proven to be, Brewer knows that fixing his fatal flaw could take the 4-time All-Star to the next level:

"Now, he has to get a jump shot. I’m glad he can’t shoot because if he was a knockdown shooter, he would be unguardable. Literally unguardable. But he is improving. Even his post game is getting better. When it comes to the Euro steps, athleticism and getting to the rim, that’s easy for him. Once he gets a jump shot — and he’s gonna get it because he works his butt off — we’re gonna see his game go to another level."

Brewer’s advice towards Giannis to work on his jump shot is nothing new, as it has been his Achilles heel for the past several years, particularly from three. As the veteran detailed in his piece, Antetokounmpo will continue to work on his long-range shooting, which was apparent this season.

During his first MVP award-winning season in 2018-19, Giannis shot 25.6 percent from behind the arc on 2.8 attempts per game. Giannis followed that up this season with another MVP, this time averaging 30.4 percent from deep while heaving 4.7 attempts per game. Those numbers do not jump off the page just yet, but the improvement is a welcoming sight.

While his 3-point shooting saw positive development this season, Antetokounmpo’s free-throw shooting was on the opposite side of the spectrum. He shot 72.9 percent on 9.5 attempts from the line last season but nosedived to just 63.3 percent on 10.0 attempts this season. The 9.6 percentage decrease was a historical differential, one of the worst in NBA history among players with at least 600 attempts in a season. 

Antetokounmpo’s dominance close to the basketball is unmatched, but as Brewer put it, expanding his range would elevate his game to a level beyond imaginable. The two-time MVP’s work ethic is resilient, and improving his shooting from all areas of the floor will undoubtedly be atop his to-do list this offseason.

Corey Brewer’s comments undoubtedly provide an interesting perspective on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ascension to two-time league MVP, and it will be fascinating to see where he goes from here.