Here’s your luke-warm take of October: Giannis Antetokounmpo is an MVP candidate this year. As overstated as it might be, I think the prediction couldn’t be more truthful. Honestly, how do you plan on guarding a 6’11”, length-god whose jumper is developing quicker by the day. Giannis isn’t afraid to pull-up and knock down the occasional three-pointer and now NBA players have to respect his outside jumper. His real strengths shine in transition, on offense and defense. On the fast break nobody in the world is better at finishing at the rim or finding the open man outside. Defensively his biggest force is seen in transition, running down defenders and bullying them at the rim. And that freakish length I mentioned earlier? He uses that to shut down passing lanes, jump all over lazy, and throw down highlight dunks every single game. Giannis came out swinging in the season opener against the Celtics scoring 37 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, dishing 3 assists, swiping 3 steals, as well as posterizing Aron Baynes multiple times, and endless high-energy plays (highlight video posted below). Oh, I forgot to mention, HE’S 22 (23 in December). The Greek Freak hasn’t even hit his prime and is going to be an MVP finalist this season. Some of the NBA’s best are saying he could be the greatest to ever play, analysts are saying he’s a real MVP contender, EVERYONE is on the Giannis hype train. NBA beware.
The rest of the Bucks squad isn’t bad either. Malcom Brogdon, Tony Snell, Thon Maker, and Khris Middleton round out the Bucks starting five. Brogdon, coming off his Rookie of the Year season, is in his prime and is now a reliable scorer for the Bucks. He can hit 3’s, put LeBron on a poster, and has plenty of beautiful passes to set up easy buckets.
Tony Snell’s role wasn’t as clear last season as it is this one. He is yet another big guard with length (the Bucks favorite) that consistently hits his outside shots and finds the open man when necessary.
Thon Maker bloomed late last season when Jason Kidd gave him the starting opportunity (finally). Consider him a baby-Giannis: good finisher at the rim, needs work on his jumper (but has improved), and troublesome on defense. He took this last off-season to workout with Giannis and NBA legend Kevin Garnett. If Thon continues to develop he has All-Star potential.
Last but not least, Khris Middleton. Khris, like Giannis, can do it all. He’s tough on defense, a 3-point threat, and knows how to get points at the rim. While Antetokounmpo is the clear star of this young squad, Middleton still provides a lot for the Bucks on both ends of the floor.
The Bucks bench provides solid depth with Greg Monroe, John Henson (sort of), and Matthew Dellavedova. Not Mirza Teletovic, he’s trash. And his contract might be worse than he is. Regardless, the Bucks have great depth and can hold their own when Giannis needs to rest.
As far as how far the Bucks can go, the Eastern Conference Finals is probably the limit in a perfect world. Being top 5 in the East and winning a playoff series are two tasks on top of the Bucks priority list. Both of those goals are very achievable, especially if the Bucks former number two overall pick returns in January. That’s right, Jabari Parker. If the Bucks really want to commit, Jabari will have to earn it this season, as Milwaukee just declined to resign him and he will become a restricted free agent at the end of the year.
No matter how far the Bucks go in the playoffs, it’s gonna be a really fun ride watching a 22 year old take over the NBA. So sit back, and enjoy the ride.
View From The Bench 