Has Giannis Antetokounmpo Turned a Corner Halfway Through 2nd NBA Season?
Marvelous athletic plays on defense, highlight-reel dunks and moves that make you question how a human being can accomplish something seemingly so impossible have accounted for most of Giannis Antetokounmpo's first year-and-a-half in the NBA.
But, halfway through his second season, has the Greek Freak reached a totally new level?
Over the past nine games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 14.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals on 57.6 percent shooting from the floor. He was just recently named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for Feb. 2-8, a stretch during which he averaged 19.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 blocks on 63.3 percent shooting.
Can he keep up this level of play or will it eventually taper off?
Let's take a closer glance at several things that will help determine whether or not he can turn the corner completely this season.
A Consistent Jump Shot is Key
If Antetokounmpo can consistently knock down mid-range jump shots, he might be able to continue scoring at a solid clip. However, his jumper has been sporadic all season, and asking him to suddenly start hitting most of them is a lofty goal.
On the season, the Greek Freak is just 56-of-194 on jump shots for a putrid 28.9 shooting percentage.
Part of his surge offensively, though, has been because of his ability to knock down open shots and make himself more of a complete threat. As of late, opponents haven't been able to sag off him and play the drive as much as they normally would.
During February, Antetokounmpo is converting 40.0 percent of his jumpers. That number is much better, and one that is at least respectable.
For comparison's sake, Kevin Durant is hitting 43.5 percent of the jump shots he is taking this season and knocked down 41.6 percent of them in 2012-13.
A consistent shot would make Giannis an all-around threat offensively. He can already attack the rim and finish with his incredible length, and we've seen what he can do in transition. Adding a respectable jump shot to his arsenal is a scary prospect.
And considering his attitude and work ethic, it wouldn't be surprising to see that happen.
Decisiveness Goes a Long Way
Antetokounmpo has also become decisive when he has the basketball.
While that doesn't mean he is taking many more shots—he's averaging 9.4 per game over his last nine games compared to 9.0 on the season—the Greek Freak has been much more proactive on offense.
Previously, it was common to see him dribble into the lane, out of control, and simply just get stuck with nowhere to go.
Now, when he attacks the paint, he has been much better at making decisions. Whether that be deciding to go up and finish at the rim or find a slashing teammate, he has developed a much greater comfort with the ball in his hands.
Turnovers aside—because 2.0 per game is still too many—Antetokounmpo has been clear in determining what he wants to do with the ball when he gets it.
Throughout the above highlight package, you'll notice that when he gets the ball, he's looking to score or looking to make a play. And while the latter isn't necessarily new, in the past it seemed as though he put his head down and just dribbled into trouble.
It may not seem like a lot, but catching the ball on the block and immediately making a move to the hoop without hesitating is progress. Getting the ball on the wing and quickly attacking the defender is a sign of assertiveness.
Antetokounmpo has a tremendous skill set to work with, and it seems he is now realizing that he can do amazing things in the NBA. If he continues to make quick, smart decisions, he'll continue to progress.
Growing Confidence
If this stretch of solid performances has told us anything, it should be that the Greek Freak is not only growing his on-court skills, but he's also building a certain level of confidence.
Even though he's just 20 years old and has limited experience playing basketball at a high level, it's clear that Antetokounmpo is playing with a new level of swagger. Whether his new-found swag stems from his play or vice versa, something has finally started clicking.
Barring unforeseen events, things can only move in the right direction, too.
A continual increase in minutes—he's averaging 35.8 over his past nine games compared to 29.6 on the year—will further allow him to build on the unique skill set he has. There aren't many players who possess his physical attributes and diverse package of abilities.
It may be slightly premature to say that he has officially turned a corner, but if the past few weeks have told us anything, it's that he has definitely started that turn.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
