Giannis Antetokounmpo recently visited with Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, both of whom are 2025 NBA draft prospects. During the discussion, Antetokounmpo highlighted how the NBA’s best offensive players select their ‘kill’ positions and why this can be so hazardous. Throughout the conversation, Giannis singled out Kevin Durant as a potential threat.
“I understand you probably see it as a basketball court. But this is not a basketball court. All of the greats, including Kobe, KD, MJ, LeBron, and D-Wade, have spots, right? It’s up to you how you get to your places; you simply need to figure out where the kills are.”
“The baseline is a single kill place. If you don’t have the shot, you can take this shot (layup), make a pass, or use the corner pass. There are spots all over the floor. I’m not sure if you guys can shoot the three. KD, when he’s up here, he’s coming down; he comes here, and here is his area. All these spots you see: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 – That’s why he’s one of the best, since he has so many killspots…
Giannis’ comments regarding Kevin Durant’s offensive ability demonstrate how much he admires the former MVP. Durant and Giannis squared off during the 2021 NBA playoffs, in what many consider one of the
greatest series of all time.
Durant and Giannis were sensational during that matchup, but it was Giannis who was able to overcome Durant, who had lost both his teammates to injury by that point. Regardless, Durant and Giannis surely gained a healthy respect for each other after that year. While KD is no longer in the Eastern Conference, any potential for a Giannis vs. Durant matchup is absolute box office, with fans expecting the two stars to hold nothing back.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Looking For Championship Success Again
Giannis Antetokounmpo undoubtedly had the best playoff run of his career in 2021, as after beating Durant and the Nets, he went on to win the NBA championship. But since then, postseason success has been hard to come by for the Greek Freak and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Since their 2021 NBA championship win, the Bucks have won just one playoff series in the last three seasons, not making it out of the first round in the last two years.
Granted, this past year, a lot of their injury problems cost them the chance to face off against the Indiana Pacers at full strength, but that will not ease the disappointment they faced.
Antetokounmpo, who now has one full year of experience playing with Damian Lillard, will be trying to regain form next season and help the Bucks demonstrate why they should be considered championship-caliber teams in the Eastern Conference.
One Bucks executive feels that a healthy Giannis, Lillard, and Khris Middleton will be unstoppable in the playoffs.
Despite their fantastic pair of Giannis and Lillard, the Bucks remain an outside shot to reach the NBA Finals from the Eastern Conference, thanks to a strong East that includes the Celtics, Knicks, and 76ers.
However, their experience playing at the greatest level of the NBA will not be forgotten, and it might play a significant role in the playoffs next season.
Leave a Reply