Potential is a slippery slope. It is a variable-laden, ticking time bomb.
Too often players are boasted and prodded around as the future of the NBA, and then they end up hovering along the D-League wall.
Then there are players who fly – somewhat – under the radar. They excite with flashes of skill and physical prowess.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the potential to be the best player in the NBA.
Yes, I said it.
He busted onto the scene for the Milwaukee Bucks last year and took the reigns of a franchise bottoming out.
So far this season, the “Greek Freak” is only averaging 10 points a game with just less than five rebounds a game.
If he were on any other team – not named the Bucks – he would be improving at a higher rate.
Milwaukee’s attempts to box Antetokounmpo as a point guard may back fire. Photo by Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Antetokounmpo has the same build as Kevin Durant, who we all know as the second-best player in the league behind LeBron James. And the skill set is there. We have seen it. It is just a matter of when he starts to put it all together on a nightly basis.
What he needs to do is take the same route King James took and start inhaling creatine and protein. He needs to sleep with a barbell and pack on the pounds because strength is an undervalued trait in the NBA.
What makes James special is the combination of his size, speed and skill.
If Antetokounmpo can refine his skill while bulking up, every guard, forward and center in the league should start sending him baskets of mini muffins to get on his good side because the kid will wreak havoc every time he touches the rock – and when he is not.
Personally, I believe there is no one in Milwaukee to help him grow as a player. I loved Jason Kidd as a player, and I thought he would make a good coach in the NBA, but so far he has not cut it.
And I am not down with this whole “let’s turn Giannis into a point guard” bit. If you want to let him bring the ball up sometimes, okay, that is fine. But do not box the kid in. Let us see him get more looks in high post-up situations. Let him isolate on the wing. Maintain his versatility.
He is quick, long, and can get to the bucket. Let him do it.
The Bucks have Jabari Parker now, so at least he is not totally alone, but Antetokounmpo needs a little more help and a little better coaching.
Trying to turn him into a point guard will not work.
In order for the Bucks and Antetokounmpo to reach their full potential, they have to go with the flow and let him discover his own game.
And free weights. Do not forget the free weights, kid.
