3 positives from first two Milwaukee Bucks preseason games
By Landon Swan
The Milwaukee Bucks traveled to Abu Dhabi, where they played their second NBA Preseason game against, the first of two against the Atlanta Hawks. There were many positive signs that should help the team improve from last season. Here is a list of three noticeable things that Bucks fans should have high hopes for during the course of the 2023 season to help them make a deep playoff run through the star-studded Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks preseason positives after two games: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s improved shooting
Giannis Antetokounmpo saw his first NBA preseason action on Thursday. The two-time MVP came out looking like he might have improved the one knock that people have on his game, that he does not have a reliable jump shot. Giannis started the game shooting the ball and although some shots were not falling, his stroke looks faster and he looks more comfortable taking jump shots, in addition making 7-10 free throws. Both improvements were on full display this summer while Antetokounmpo played in Eurobasket.
I know what some of you are thinking: “Why would I want Giannis to become more comfortable taking jump shots?” Well, Giannis has emerged as arguably the best player in the NBA mostly by his ability to effectively finish around the rim, so I am sure he knows what his strength is on the offensive side of the ball. There are a lot of people that would agree with the statement that Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the NBA, a recent survey from ESPN of executives, scouts and coaches voted Giannis as exactly that.
All I am saying is that Giannis’ work in the summer could have unleashed another part of his game that adds to his dominance. Teams may no longer have the ability to sag off of Giannis or successfully build a wall. Hopefully, the confidence that Antetokounmpo showed in his jump shot in first outing continues throughout the season, so he can take a healthy balance of mid-range shots that will help preserve his body for a deep run and force opponents to respect his shooting ability.