There is always room to try new things in basketball, and Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers says he is keeping an open mind with his play sheet. Rivers, who has been spotted with other members of the coaching staff and front office, is watching Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece at EuroBasket, and he admitted he's been keeping a close eye on their plays.
"I love watching the movement and how they play. I always steal plays, I watch it, and I take some of these plays back home and I run them."
Doc Rivers might deploy some new plays and tactics with the Bucks
Rivers is currently getting a look at how the Milwaukee Bucks might play next season. Giannis has had the ball in his hands often throughout his time in Milwaukee, but with Greece, he's not playing next to another star guard, like Damian Lillard or Jrue Holiday, or forward, like Khris Middleton, giving him the keys to the entire offense. It's his show to run; everyone must follow his lead.
With Middleton moved at the deadline and Lillard cut earlier this summer, the Bucks made it clear that they want Giannis to take full control of the offense. More control than he's ever had before. They still have other capable ball-handlers, such as Kevin Porter Jr. and Cole Anthony, but they will serve as complementary pieces rather than ball-dominant players.
Something Rivers mentioned that should have Milwaukee Bucks fans thrilled is the word movement. While it sounds simple, movement used the right way can make a world of difference. Whether it is players cutting to the basket, setting screens, or whatever else, the Bucks need to implement more movement than they have in recent years.
Considering they've gone from being one of the oldest teams in the NBA to a team where their oldest player is 31 years old, that is certainly doable. It will be up to Doc Rivers to implement these schemes. With his back against the wall after two early postseason exits, Rivers must switch up his formula, and his comments here make it sound like he's ready.
If he does properly, it could fuel the most productive season of Giannis Antetokounmpo's career yet, and that's saying something. He can't do everything, as the Milwaukee Bucks can't risk him getting burnt out during the regular season, but it's clear this team will go as far as their star can take them. For those watching EuroBasket, don't be surprised if a few of those plays resurface this coming year as the Bucks maximize Giannis.
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