Giannis Antetokounmpo was called a freak of nature by NBA scouts during the 2013 NBA Draft. The “Greek Freak” to be more exact. When he entered his name in the draft, he was a relatively unknown prospect from the Greek Basketball league. His 6 foot 9 inch height was not even the most impressive thing to NBA scouts. What was most impressive was that this 6’9″, 19-year-old kid was playing point guard. However, many scouts were skeptic about Giannis. The kid had raw talent, but probably did not have the biggest basketball IQ. How would his game carry over into the much more competitive NBA? When the Bucks drafted Antetokounmpo with the 15th pick in 2013, it was met with a lot of criticism. But this high pick meant that the Bucks saw the potential he had. A pick this early was a promising start to a promising career.
In his first season with the Bucks, he averaged 6.8 points, as well as 4.4 rebounds per game in limited minutes for a struggling Bucks team. However, Antetokounmpo was still able to make a name for himself throughout the league, a hard thing to do while playing for a team that could only manage to win 15 games. Antetokounmpo was named to the NBA All-Rookie 2nd team, as well as being selected to the NBA Skills Challenge, being partnered with Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. This skills challenge has components of dribbling, passing, and shooting, skills not too common for a 6’9″ basketball player.
In his second season, Antetokounmpo showed a lot of growth. Literally. Antetokounmpo grew 2 inches, now putting him at 6’11” with a 7’3″ wingspan. Not to mention that his hands are so big that when he holds the basketball, it is like he is holding a grapefruit. What’s the scary part? Doctors are saying that he isn’t even done growing yet! A nearly 7-foot tall player with the skills of a point guard? Look out! More significantly, he showed great growth on the court as well. His 11.8 points per game this season is up from 6.8 last year. He has averaged nearly 7 rebounds per game, up from 4.4 in his rookie year, as well as increasing his field goal percentage from 41% to 50%. Over his last 10 games, he has been averaging 11.5 PPG, and 7.5 rebounds.
Some people may know Giannis Antetokounmpo not because of his solid overall play, but because of his appearances on SportsCenter’s Top 10. Over his career, he has had some monster dunks that have earned him high spots on the Top 10 plays. Most recently? How about taking two steps from the 3-point line and making an easy layup.The guy is just that long. I’d say that would get some attention!
The only problem with this 20 year old phenom? He plays for the Bucks. However, the future may be bright for this team. The Bucks selected another promising player with their second overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, Duke superstar Jabari Parker. Although these players may not be superstars yet, with more high draft picks ahead, the future could be looking bright for this young Bucks team. And who will be leading the charge? Who else, but the Greek Freak.
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