Giannis Seeks Carmelo Anthony’s Expertise to Elevate His Jumpshot and the Bucks’ Offense
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is on a mission to refine his jumpshot, and he has a Hall of Famer in mind to help him achieve that goal. Known for his extraordinary athleticism and versatility, Antetokounmpo has managed to reach elite NBA status, clinching an MVP award along the way. However, the Greek Freak’s inability to consistently knock down jumpers has been a lingering concern, particularly when it comes to spacing the floor for his team.
The Challenge of Spacing the Floor
At 30 years old, Antetokounmpo is entering a crucial phase of his career. While he has thrived by leveraging his size and speed to create transition opportunities and drive to the basket, the reality is that he will need to diversify his scoring arsenal as he ages. His explosive playstyle and remarkable length have propelled him to success thus far, but as he inevitably loses a step, a reliable jumpshot could become essential.
Antetokounmpo has openly acknowledged the need for improvement in this area. “I don’t like working with players who are playing right now,” he shared. “I want to work with young guys, and while I could work with LeBron, for example, he’s still playing. I’ll see him in a month or two, and he’ll be my opponent.”
Carmelo Anthony as a Mentor
The player Antetokounmpo is keen to collaborate with is none other than Carmelo Anthony. He expressed admiration for Anthony’s effortless mid-range shooting and face-up game, stating, “If I could work with Carmelo Anthony, I would love to. His game was very effortless, very easy, very relaxing.”
Historically, Antetokounmpo has struggled with his shooting, posting a career average of 28.4 percent from beyond the arc. Last season was particularly challenging, as he managed only 22.2 percent on nearly one attempt per game. Nevertheless, he still averaged an impressive 30.4 points while shooting 62 percent from the field, showcasing his ability to score efficiently in the paint.
Building a Better Roster
The Bucks have made concerted efforts to surround Antetokounmpo with shooters who can create space on the floor. However, recent roster iterations have not fully realized this vision, often leading to a congested paint that makes it easier for defenders to collapse on the Greek Freak. A more robust jumpshot would not only enhance Antetokounmpo’s game but also significantly impact the defensive strategies employed against him.
The potential of Antetokounmpo becoming a serious perimeter threat has been a topic of debate for years. Although optimism surrounds this possibility, the results have yet to materialize, and skepticism lingers regarding the likelihood of a substantial improvement in his shooting form.
As the Bucks aim to contend for a championship, the collaboration between Antetokounmpo and Anthony could be a pivotal step in unlocking the full potential of the reigning Finals MVP and elevating Milwaukee’s offensive capabilities. With the right guidance, Antetokounmpo may finally transform his jumpshot into a weapon that could redefine his game.
