You may not know how to pronounce the name Giannis Antetokounmpo (heck even Obama needed some help) but you better get used to hearing it. Antetokounmpo, or the Greek Freak as many call him, has continued to improve each year he's been in the league and his production this year has begun to push him into the upper echelon of NBA players.
While the rest of the NBA has zigged, the Milwaukee Bucks have zagged. While the "pace and space" style of play has put a league-wide emphasis on three-point shooting and smaller lineups with power forwards in the 6'6" to 6'9" range, the Bucks decided to move all 6'11" of Giannis into their starting point guard spot this year and the results have been downright devastating for opponents. He's currently averaging career highs of 22.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals, numbers right in the territory of the Lebron James and Russell Westbrooks of the league. The one-of-a-kind talent is also on pace to join the short list of Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Gerald Wallace as the only players to average at least two blocks and two steals. Antetokounmpo has also posted a PER of 27.02, sixth behind only prime MVP candidates Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard.
Giannis' development and statistical dominance hasn't quite translated to great success in the standings for the Bucks just yet. They currently sit at 13-12, good for 5th in the East. This is an improvement considering the Bucks missed the playoffs last year and made the playoffs as a 6-seed the year before, but Milwaukee isn't yet in the elite tier of NBA teams. Statistically, however, Antetokounmpo's strengths and leadership are showing as Milwaukee is currently 8th in defensive efficiency and 12th in offensive efficiency. The Bucks are a young team that still has room for growth and the wins will come with time but if they get Khris Middleton back to bolster their three-point shooting they could be a threat in the East come playoff time.
The scariest thing about Giannis, as great as he's looked this year, is how much better he can be. It's easy to lose sight of the fact that he just turned 22 years old. If he can add a reliable three-point shot, he'll be well on his way to top-five status in the league. Defenders would have to close respect him behind the line, making it that much easier for him to drive into the lane and do things like this. Until then, he'll continue to stuff the stat sheets as he leads Milwaukee back to the playoffs.
