Milwaukee Bucks: Predicting 2021-22 statistical leaders in major categories
By Dalton Sell
Milwaukee Bucks: 2021-22 rebounds per game leader — Giannis Antetokounmpo
Once again, there should be little resistance with this pick. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks last year by hauling in an average of 11 rebounds per game, with the next closest player being Portis at 7.1 on average. The Greek Freak’s sheer size and athleticism have made him a top-notch rebounder on both ends. In addition to all the boards that he will collect defensively, Antetokounmpo is also a stellar offensive rebounder, which should help keep him in the lead for the rebounding crown in the 2021-22 season.
Milwaukee Bucks: 2021-22 assists per game leader — Jrue Holiday
Although there were some growing pains in his first year with the Bucks, Jrue Holiday clearly grew more comfortable as the year went on. There were initial concerns as to whether Holiday could be the point guard that the Bucks needed considering he has played a hefty portion of his career at shooting guard, but he quieted those. Holiday would show off his playmaking and elite passing all year as he led the Bucks in assists at 6.1 per game. As Holiday takes on more of the ball-handling responsibilities in year two with the team, those numbers should only improve, and he could very well lead the team once again.
Even then, Antetokounmpo would be a solid bet as well. The two-time MVP finished second on the Bucks behind Holiday last season in average assists by tallying 5.9 per game, which tied a career-high. Antetokounmpo obviously sees his fair share of the basketball on the offensive end as well, and with the team retooling their roster to add more complementary pieces around him that can shoot the long ball, he could rack up some easy assists. While he would be a solid pick as well, Holiday will get the edge for now.