Year in Review

As 2013 comes to an end, lets take a look at Ante's journey this year:

 He was playing in the Greek A2 division where few NBA scouts were able to see him play. Then he decides to enter the NBA draft as a high-risk-high-reward pick. Many GM's passed on Ante before the Bucks picked him 15th overall. The idea was that he should play out his first year in the D-League where he could adjust to the high level of competition. Instead, after opening many eyes in the preseason with his crazy athleticism and commitment to playing defense, the Bucks decided to keep him on their active roster. After inconsistent playing time in the first month of the season and combined with multiple injuries to key players, the Bucks, now buried in the Eastern Conference basement, thrust Ante into a starting role, playing over 30 minutes a night. Ante has had only positive impacts on the team since becoming a starter, highlighted by a double-double in Brooklyn. With a plethora of young talent, the Bucks seemed poised for success in the future. Here is a look at what the Bucks lineup might look like next year:

PG: Brandon Knight/Nate Wolters
SG: Giannis Antetokounmpo/O. J. Mayo
SF: Jabari Parker/Caron Butler
PF: John Henson/Khris Middleton
C: Larry Sanders/ Miroslav Raduljica

This could be a very scary team next year on the fastbreak because of its incredible quickness and athleticism (Parker, Antetokounmpo, Knight) and defending the paint with 3 elite shot blockers (Antetokounmpo, Henson, Sanders). In halfcourt sets, they can isolate Knight or Parker, or run the pick & roll with Antetokounmpo, Henson, or Sanders.

GAME 28: BUCKS @ BOBCATS (7:00 EST)

This will likely be Ante's fourth consecutive start as Larry Drew seems committed to leaving him in the starting lineup even with the return of Caron Butler from injury. In his 3 starts, Ante is averaging 9.3 points with 2 double figure scoring games, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and .7 steals in just over 33 minutes a game He is yet to record a double-double in his young career. The Bucks might be without John Henson tonight (game time decision) as they look to build on their recent stretch of good games. Even though the playoffs are nowhere in sight for this team, ownership has not committed to tanking completely. The Bucks had one of their best games of the season Saturday, defeating Philadelphia 116-106 after two overtime losses to Cleveland and New York. In both games they had a shot to win the game at the end of regulation.

Ante will likely be guarded tonight by MKG, aka Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Ante should look to drive to the rim often against MKG and finish over him with his height and length or try to draw a foul. Ante's free throw percentage has also improved tremendously the last 5 games, as he shooting 89% over that stretch, improving his season average from around 50% to 70%. If Ante continues to attack the boards aggressively, we could see his first (of many) double-doubles tonight!

My predictions: 13 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, 1 block in 34 minutes. Bobcats win 104-95 

Giannis's Career Summary (Draft Day-Present Day)

Giannis Antetokuonmpo has been a revelation so far this NBA season. When he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, he was seen as a multi-year project who needed some developmental years in either Europe or the D-League before he could be a solid NBA player. Then, starting in the Summer League, and continuing through the preseason and the beginning of the NBA season, people have realized his true value as a player; right now, as a 19 year old. He is now starting for the Bucks and guarding his opponents’ best wing player in crunch time. This included an intense battle with Carmelo Anthony, which resulted in words being exchanged between the two of them. Offensively, he has been a force to reckon with on the fast break, drawing fouls and throwing down thunderous dunks. He has also shown skill passing and rebounding. We are looking forward to an exciting season with more highlights and news from the Greek Freak!