3 Bucks who are underperforming, 2 exceeding expectations at the All-Star break
By Tyler Watts
Exceeding expectations: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who knows where the Bucks would be without Giannis this season. The two-time MVP is shooting a career-high 61.6 percent from the field and averaging over 30 points per game for the second-straight year. Antetokounmpo is third in the league in points and sixth in rebounds per game. He has also produced the fourth-best VORP and is setting a new career-best with 6.4 assists each night.
The Bucks cannot blame their struggles on the Greek Freak. The 29-year-old became an eight-time All-Star and remains in the MVP race. Giannis has played in 54 of the Bucks 56 games. In his most recent absence, the Bucks lost by 40 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Antetokounmpo is the team’s best player, but he needs more help if Milwaukee is going to win the championship. They must get more from Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis on the offensive end as every player needs to pick up their defense. Giannis cannot do it all. He will continue to be one of the best players in the league, but his teammates must provide support.
Arguably the Bucks biggest disappointment this season has been Antetokounmpo’s co-star. The franchise paid a massive price to land him, and Damian Lillard must be better if Milwaukee is going to accomplish their goals.