In today's NBA, teams that win tend to have an assortment of two-way players. Having players who can only play on one side of the ball has become a thing of the past. Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the best two-way players in the game, would certainly agree, highlighting just how fond he is of some household two-way players across the NBA in an interview with Sport24.
"My preference is two-way players. I like one player, Anthony Edwards. I like him a lot. I like Anthony Davis. See what I mean? I mean, I like [Kawhi] Leonard, I like him a lot. I like guys who can play defense and offense and are dogs. When we get on the court, you know they're always going to give 100%. They might not play well, but they're always going to give 100%."
Everyone knows Giannis will give his all on both ends, and the supporting cast he has with the Milwaukee Bucks must follow his lead.
Other Milwaukee Bucks players must rise to the occasion on both ends
Giannis Antetokounmpo certainly wasn't throwing shade at his supporting cast. He's not the type of player to do so. However, that doesn't mean they can't take his words into account and use them as motivation for the coming NBA season.
Following their third consecutive first-round playoff exit, it was clear that the Milwaukee Bucks had to shake up their roster. Their primary goals centered on acquiring younger, more athletic players and identifying those who could excel on both sides of the basketball court. After a busy several months, they have certainly done that. The Bucks are trying to surround Giannis with two-way "dogs."
Milwaukee followed the blueprint set by the OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers, who were both in the NBA Finals last season. Boasting an impressive amount of two-way depth from top to bottom, both squads never had liabilities on the floor, an advantage they had on their side against anyone during their respective playoff runs.
As they try to replicate this formula, it's clear that if someone cannot play both ends, there's a chance they might see their minutes reduced. Most of Milwaukee's top talent can play both ends.
Of course, it starts with Giannis, the star. Myles Turner will give him tremendous support on both ends. Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, and Ryan Rollins are all coming into their own defensively and are among the best shooters league-wide. Kevin Porter Jr. must take a leap on both ends, but he has what it takes to blossom into a two-way star.
There are a few question marks that remain, though.
Can Taurean Prince replicate last year's shooting while playing stout wing defense? Will Cole Anthony struggle defensively as an undersized point guard? How will Kyle Kuzma perform after his disastrous close to last season? All of them have the potential to fit right in with the two-way movement, but it is far easier said than done.
Everyone knows what Giannis Antetokounmpo will do. Now, all eyes are on his supporting cast.
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