Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates after hitting a shot at the buzzer to beat the Indiana Pacers 117-115 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 03, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to fight for a playoff spot and hope that Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. A long offseason and difficult first few months of the season have put them in a tough spot. Rumors of Antetokounmpo wanting a trade slowed down since his return from injury.
Milwaukee clearly looks like a much better team with the two-time MVP back on the court. The current plan sees Antetokounmpo holding the ball more and running the offense. Giannis recently said that he wants to play more at the point guard position for the betterment of the team.
“Do I believe that I can facilitate, I can make plays? Yeah. Do I believe that I got to give them space for them to grow? Yeah. Me and Stefan today we check the stats, right? Seven assists or more.
I’ve won 69% of my games. And, eight assists or more, 73% of my games. When I’m a point guard, we win. No, but just give them space to grow, man. I think they’re playing great.”
The stats show that the Bucks have a much better chance to win when Antetokounmpo is running the offense and putting his teammates in a position to score. Giannis even mentions that he enjoys helping them grow by being the one to set his teammates up.
Will New Role Fully Appease Giannis?
Head coach Doc Rivers has empowered Antetokounmpo to push the pace and run the offense more than previous teams. Most of Giannis’ career has featured a point guard running the offense for him. Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard both had great tenures that allowed Antetokounmpo to get plays set up for him by his point guards.
Khris Middleton was considered Giannis’ best teammate ever as a forward, but he often had plays set up for him to get mid-range shots off screens. This season is the first time Antetokounmpo is the only player responsible for the rest of the offense finding success.
Milwaukee needs Giannis to have an amazing performance every night to have a chance of victory. This has traditionally come via scoring, but Antetokounmpo is clearly showing excitement about having a new role in the offense with greater responsibility.
Can Giannis Find Success In Milwaukee?
The overall biggest question for the Bucks’ future is if they can succeed enough to keep Antetokounmpo happy moving forward. Giannis enjoying this new role and seeming content to finish the season without any more drama is a great sign.
However, the season’s end result will be pivotal for his future. Antetokounmpo has expressed frustration in previous seasons for early eliminations. Milwaukee having another first-round exit could spark the flame that leads to the official trade demand coming.
Rumors indicate the Bucks hope to add more talent to improve their chances of contention, but it remains a tough task. The short-term of this season at least buys them some time of Giannis having fun running the offense and wanting to prove he could shine by playing more at point guard.