Giannis Antetokounmpo is without a doubt one of the most uniquely talented superstars in the history of the NBA. While he entered a league that was not yet ready to take advantage of what his fully developed skillset would eventually become, is one-of-a-kind ability has been at the forefront of what has become modern NBA offense, One major trend that Antetokounmpo has essentially patented has now grown into one of the most common offensive actions across the NBA.
USATSI 7319984 168400517 lowres
Jun 27, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Giannis Antetokounmpo poses for a photo with NBA commissioner David Stern after being selected as the number fifteen overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2013 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo Was Built to Take Advantage of Modern Spacing
The modern NBA has become a sport dominated by three-point shooting. NBA teams are shooting an average of almost 40 threes per game, a number that has grown every year but one since the 2009-2010 season. Even when compared to just ten years ago, the average NBA game has 30 more three-balls attempted.
With this information in mind, it might not make much sense that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, a career-28% three-point shooter, is one of the most influential players in the modern game. Yet he is, and it is not due to his shooting skills, but rather his dynamic abilities to take advantage of all of the space that five-out offenses have created.
Jan 1, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Bryn Forbes (7) react during the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Monroe/Handout Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Bryn Forbes (7) react during the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Monroe/Handout Photo-USA TODAY Sports
While the 1980s and 1990s, what many consider the NBA’s “glory days,” saw post-up threats like Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, or Hakeem Olajuwon doing their damage in the paint, the three-point revolution has necessitated that most players be a threat from over 20 feet away from the rim. Defenses have thus adjusted to guarding the three-point line, and the result is more space in the paint than ever.
Antetokounmpo may not be even an average shooter in the league, but his size, speed, ball-handling, and passing skills mean he can exploit all of the space in the middle of the floor in ways that almost no defense can stop.
Only Giannis could make a play like this. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/UXrPYQFJDQ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 24, 2025
Giannis no-look to Kuzma for three.
Kuz has 20 points and counting. pic.twitter.com/L5L3GjiKIP
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 29, 2025
Antetokounmpo is machine that generates the two most efficient shots in basketball – the layup and the three-pointer. If the defense cannot match his physicality and deceptive agility, Antetokounmpo can finish close to the rim. If the defense commits to putting bodies in front of him, they leave three-point shooters open.
One specific action that Antetokounmpo was one of the first to master has become an increasing trend around the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Pioneered this Offensive Strategy
While Antetokounmpo is not necessarily a threat to score from far away from the rim, his ability to attack downhill is a tremendous value for all the reasons mentioned above. Whether running the fast break or simply handling the ball from up high in the halfcourt, his ability to drive and attack space make him a lethal threat. If the defense is able to handle Antetokounmpo’s downhill attack, it likely means three-point threats are being left open. This is where Antetokounmpo’s high-level decision-making and passing ability come in handy.
USATSI 22461308
Feb 6, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball against Phoenix Suns center Bol Bol (11) during the fourth quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Antetokounmpo’s ability to navigate pick-and-roll unlocks several strong offensive sets, specifically when a three-point shooting threat is the player setting the screen on Antetokounmpo’s man. Classically, a bigger player like Antetokounmpo would set the screen for a smaller ball-handler, but the “inverted” pick-and-roll with a smaller shooting threat setting the pick for the massively strong Antetokounmpo is a unique challenge for opposing teams.
This season, a player like AJ Green (a career 41% three-point shooter) setting a screen for Antetokounmpo is a devastating threat to any defense. If a switch occurs or not enough players are in the paint to stop him, the Greek Freak simply powers his way for an easy basket.
Giannis right down the lane for the lefty flush. 😤 pic.twitter.com/ltP0N643ZN
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 21, 2025
In the case where Giannis is stopped from getting a high-quality shot at the rim, his ability to look for teammates gives the Bucks plenty of quality looks from deep. In inverted pick-and-roll, it is often the screener who is left open, but it can also be another player spaced in the corner.
RIDICULOUS pass from Giannis with the game on the line pic.twitter.com/q4mAlnq79R
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) January 5, 2023
The “Giannis Offense” Has Become a Big Offensive Trend Across the NBA
Years ago, Antetokounmpo was one of the only players who could do this. Nowadays, other teams have been discovering talent able to execute these plays and are putting them in similar actions to generate good offense.
In the late 2010s, the Philadelphia 76ers took advantage of Ben Simmons in a similar way, but not quite to the same level. As we are now firmly in the mid-2020s, several players mimic the “Giannis Offense.”
The high-level basketball content channel Thinking Basketball recently highlighted several players who now operate in ways comparable to the one-and-only Greek Freak. Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. uses his exceptional ball-handling and 6-foot-10 height to attack downhill with regularity. Portland’s Deni Avdija is a tad smaller at just 6-foot-9, but is still able to use his strength, footwork, and passing to get the job done. New Orleans’ Zion Williamson has been compared in some ways to Giannis since he came into the league, and has definitely shown some similar abilities at scoring in the lane.
Mar 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
One thing that players like Jackson Jr. and Avdija are able to do more effectively than Giannis is shoot the three themselves. In the case of the defense backing off of them, they can pull up and shoot the ball themselves. Nonetheless, teams with big ball-handlers with opportunities to attack downhill at a much higher rate this season. 12% of NBA possessions this season have involved a big forward or center handling the ball in inverted pick-and-roll or driving the ball in isolation.
USATSI 20419716 168400517 lowres
Apr 7, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) takes a shot between Milwaukee Bucks guard Jevon Carter (5) and forward Meyers Leonard (3) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
While Antetokounmpo is having a slightly less efficient season than last year, his impact on the league continues to be evidenced by modern offensive trends. In a league dominated by the three-point shot, Antetokounmpo continues to have a uniquely outsized impact on what good offense looks like at the professional level.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow us at@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!