Much has changed for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks since the start of last year. After waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s contract, the team continued its roster overhaul that began in February, bringing in Kyle Kuzma and signing Myles Turner during the off-season.
Giannis believes that for Milwaukee’s revamped roster, maintaining “good spacing” will be more crucial than ever.
Oct 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during game against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“Last year we had one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league, you know, and I think this year we can even be better. You know, we have one year under our belt. We know how to play with one another,” said the Greek Freak in his postgame interview after Milwaukee’s preseason win over the Chicago Bulls.
The Bucks jumped out to a 12-point lead early against the Chicago Bulls with their starters on the floor and never looked back, securing a 127-121 victory the United Center.
Bucks beyond the arc
Oct 27, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball to forward Bobby Portis (9) during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks led the league in three-point shooting percentage last season, connecting on 38.7 percent of their attempts. General manager Jon Horst has hinted at increasing that volume this year, and Giannis expects even greater results with Myles Turner joining the mix. He described Turner as “a great player that creates a lot of advantage” with his floor-spacing ability.
Antetokounmpo expects the Bucks to push the pace this season, saying Turner’s presence gives them the spacing they need to move the ball and attack faster.
“We’ve got to space the floor appropriately. I cannot stress enough how important spacing is for this team. You know, without spacing, we’re not good. With good spacing, we are a very, very dangerous team and difficult team to beat,” Antetokounmpo added.
Nov 22, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11), guard Damian Lillard (0) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrate near the end of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Of course, things could get complicated with both Brook Lopez and Damian Lillard no longer in Milwaukee. Still, the Bucks should stay dangerous from deep, with Taurean Prince, Bobby Portis, AJ Green, and Kevin Porter Jr. all capable of knocking down threes.
Add Turner to that mix, who hit nearly 40 percent of his threes last season on 5.5 attempts per game, and Milwaukee looks well equipped to stay dangerous from long range as long as they maintain solid floor spacing.