Giannis has always dominated the game with his flashy dunks and versatile defense, but one of his most overlooked skills is his passing. The Greek Freak is one of the most underrated floor generals playing today, but he's never earned the respect for it. This coming season, with Damian Lillard gone, it looks like Giannis will take on more ball-handling responsibility as the lead facilitator.
Antetokounmpo's passing will be on full display next year
"[Expletives] did not know I could pass." That's what Giannis Antetokounmpo told The Athletic many years ago, and it remains true. With defenses game planning to stop Giannis and send as many of their top defenders at him as possible, the forward has developed eyes all over the court to know where his teammates are at all times, finding them for what are often open looks.
For his career, Giannis has averaged five assists per game. Over the last two seasons, he's averaged a career-high 6.5 per game. All of that production has come with other facilitators like Eric Bledsoe, Jrue Holiday, and Damian Lillard (one could even throw Khris Middleton in there) also on the floor. Next year, that doesn't look like it will be the case.
While they can still add a quality point guard, their current roster construction does not feature it.
The Bucks re-signed Kevin Porter Jr. to a new deal, but he's not a pure point guard. He's a combo guard who can handle the ball but can also move without it. When he's on the floor with Giannis, he may take the ball some possessions, but Giannis will likely take on the responsibility most of the time. That's going to lead to a lot more assists next season. He could possibly shatter his career high.
With no other prominent ball-handler for the first time in a long time, all eyes will be on Giannis.
Milwaukee is building a roster that leans into this approach. With players like Myles Turner, AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis, Gary Harris, and more, Giannis will always have adequate spacing around him. When defenses collapse on Giannis, he'll likely always have an open man who will thrive with how many good looks they get. If defenses don't collapse, Giannis can attack and get a bucket.
"Point Giannis" is about to be unleashed next season. People will indeed learn that he can pass.
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