Giannis Antetokounmpo, known for his dominant presence inside the paint, surprised many by shooting 44.2% from midrange in the previous NBA season, ranking fifth in efficiency league-wide. This improvement in his outside shooting marks a notable development in Giannis’ offensive versatility and his ability to stretch defenses beyond the rim.
In discussing his midrange game, Giannis placed himself alongside some of the league’s premier scorers, including Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and DeMar DeRozan. By expanding his shooting range, he aims to become even more difficult to defend.
“Me, DeRozan, KD, Devin Booker,” Giannis said.
Giannis emphasized the tactical advantage of adding midrange shooting to his repertoire, explaining how it forces defenders to respect his perimeter shot, which creates space for him to attack the basket more effectively.
“Once you add that element to your game, you’re hard to be guarded. I can get to the spot I want,” Antetokounmpo said. “You gotta back off me. If I was making those shots, you have to back off me. Because I get to the rim with defense. I shoot 70%. With defense.”
Alongside his midrange success, Giannis continued to dominate near the basket, shooting nearly 75% in the restricted area on an average of 11.2 attempts per game, underscoring his efficiency around the rim despite intense defensive pressure.
Trade Speculation Surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo Continues
The offseason also brought rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Giannis is evaluating his options, triggering speculation about a possible trade, intensified by recent moves like the Damian Lillard waiver-and-stretch.
Although neither Giannis nor the Bucks have officially confirmed any trade discussions, Charania indicated that several teams remain very interested in acquiring the star player.
“There are multiple teams I know of that are literally waiting right now on what decision Giannis Antetokounmpo makes,” Charania said. “Waiting to see, does he actually hit the market? Training camps don’t start till mid-September.”
Charania also drew comparisons to other high-profile players such as Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard, who were traded late in the summer, suggesting that Giannis’ future in Milwaukee remains uncertain as training camp approaches.
The Implications of Giannis’ Midrange Development and Potential Moves
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s progress in midrange shooting adds a crucial new dimension to his game, allowing him to be a more complete offensive threat. This shift could influence how opponents defend him, potentially opening more opportunities for both scoring and playmaking.
Meanwhile, the ongoing trade rumors highlight the dynamic nature of the upcoming NBA season and could affect team strategies league-wide. Whether Giannis remains with the Bucks or decides to explore other options, his ability to stretch the floor will be a key factor in his continued impact on the court.