Giannis Antetokounmpo did everything he could last season to remain healthy and be there for the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs. He fulfilled that mission although they lost in the first round again to the Indiana Pacers. This is mainly because of the injury to their then second star Damian Lillard.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Nov 12, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sits with guard Damian Lillard on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The goal for the 2025-26 season remains the same. However, it will be a lot harder, at least according to an NBA analyst.
Tim Bontemps of ESPN believes the Greek Freak will have to be there in most Bucks games or else, they will risk dropping in the standings. They might even drop as a play-in team.
“I think they are projected to finish eighth or ninth, by the odds,” he said.
“Their roster is not very good. I mean, it’s massive, they’re putting a massive burden on Giannis to be the sole engine of their team for 82 games.”
Kevin Porter Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter (3) reacts in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
One main issue Bontemps has is the lack of real point guard. The team is expected to play Kevin Porter Jr. for that spot.
“He’s gonna need to play, likely more minutes, and harder minutes, and being not just the primary facilitator, but pretty damn close to like the sole facilitator.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s total games played in the past
Antetokounmpo played just 67 regular season games this 2024-25 as he was bothered by various injuries. He played 73 in the season before but he was absent the entire playoffs.
In the 2021 season they won they won the NBA championship, he played 61 games out of 72.
Doc Rivers said there will be a change in the way Antetokounmpo will be used in the 2025 season. He will be a facilitator, a point forward.
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The two-time MVP has also taken steps to change his game and better take care of his future. This includes mastering mid-range shots. He is successful in that department lately.
“I’ve worked on [mindrangers],” Antetokounmpo told ESPN before the start of last year’s season.
“Guys are giving it to me. I got to shoot it because it’s less toll on my body. I got to shoot it, man. It’s part of my game; I’ve worked on it all summer long. They are playoff shots in my opinion. And it is a shot that I believe I can make.”
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