The Superstar
For Giannis Antetokounmpo, talent has never been the question. Indeed, his all-around brilliance is matched by few current players, none of whom are taking the rock every play as his team’s starting point guard.
For a few years there have been highlights of what he was capable of – soaring in for an otherworldly slam, flying from the baseline for a timely block, speeding down the floor to distribute an on-the-money dime. But what hadn’t been seen prior to this season was his leadership and vision, the skills needed to go from star to the ranks of the greats in the league.
Much like a young Kevin Durant, it was questioned if he would assert his place in the NBA landscape. And like that breakout OKC performance in the 2009-10 season, the answer has been provided.
Perhaps the game-winner against the Knicks on January 5th was his thunderous YES! It was a play that epitomizes the difference and growth of this year’s Antetokounmpo from the previous versions the Bucks have seen. This is a man with drive and vision, willing to do it all to keep this young team in every game. And in strong playoff contention.
The Milwaukee Bucks made the Eastern Conference playoffs two years ago as an underwhelming sixth seed but faltered last year as they tried to force newly signed Greg Monroe into the starting lineup, slowing down this young team built to run under head coach Jason Kidd.
They ended the year far from the playoffs’ reach after many had pegged them as a team to watch for prior to the start of the season. A lost year. But, as with many lost years, the signs were there. Buried in the losses and Giannis’ continued ascension was the return and integration of another key piece.