Mar 14, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Milwaukee 96-83. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
2014-15 Stats: 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds
The Alphabet is tempting to rank higher, but he’s still just potential at this point of his development.
His long arms play perfectly into Jason Kidd’s defensive schemes, but on the offensive end he’s still getting the majority of his points off dunks and lobs — 449 of his field goal attempts were within five feet of the rim last season.
While it’s great that he made 59 percent of those attempts, the second most attempted area of the court he shot from was from 15-19 (129 attempts) and he only made 41 percent of those attempts. The fact he attempted as many field goals near the rim artificially inflated his shooting percentage (49 percent from the field) as teams will plan ways to prevent that from happening starting this season.
The pressure is now on Antetokounmpo to prove to the rest of the NBA that he can consistently make those open jumpers. Until then, teams will just take away plays at the rim.
Next: Andrew Wiggins