Milwaukee Bucks: Predicting 2021-22 statistical leaders in major categories
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks have spent the offseason celebrating after their title-winning season in 2020-21, but it is almost time to get back to work.
With training camp rapidly approaching in the coming weeks, the defending champs will have a shortened offseason as the NBA aims to return to a normal 82-game slate. As they look to defend their illustrious title, next season is shaping up to be a thrilling campaign for the Bucks filled to the brim with storylines far and wide.
In the weeks before the season begins, it is time to predict which Bucks will lead the team in specific statistical categories for the 2021-22 season. Despite the array of new talent the team brought in during the offseason, some of these leaders might be similar to what they were last year, which speaks to the core talent on this team. With all that being said, here are the Bucks that will lead Milwaukee in the major categories during next season.
Milwaukee Bucks: 2021-22 points per game leader — Giannis Antetokounmpo
There will not be too much controversy when it comes to who will lead the Bucks in scoring next season. Reigning Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team in 2020-21 by a country mile by averaging 28.1 per game, and as the lead man on this team, he will be tasked with doing the lion’s share of the scoring next season.
Antetokounmpo should unquestionably take the cake in that category next season as well as he will continue to be dominant as ever. According to NBA.com/stats, Antetokounmpo finished third in the NBA in points in the paint last season with 1,016 in total. That placed him behind fellow big men Zion Williamson and reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic. The Greek Freak is arguably the most dominant paint scorer the league has today, as he will consistently bulldoze his way down low and utilize his brute strength to score the basketball with force.
While everyone knows Antetokounmpo will make his money in the paint, the question that has followed him throughout his career is whether he can extend his range. He proved in this past playoff run that he does not exactly need to develop a jump shot, but it would certainly help take his game up a notch. A reliable 3-point shot might be a lost cause, but Antetokounmpo did show glimpses of potential with his mid-range this past season. He shot 51-of-143 (35.7 percent) from that distance in the regular season, and although some nights were better than others, a steadier shot from there could bump up his scoring average.
Whether or not he works on his jumper, Antetokounmpo should have no problem leading the team in scoring during the 2021-22 season.