Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo is surprised at how much attention his passing skills are garnering now

‘Coming into the league, that was my thing that separated me, but we didn’t have a lot of TV games.’

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA's most unstoppable offensive forces. The sight of Giannis putting his head down and driving to the rim is enough to strike fear into the hearts of opposing defenses. Now playing in his 11th season, Giannis continues to showcase his unique scoring skills nightly as the Bucks try to regain the NBA title. However, one aspect of his game that has gotten the spotlight lately is his passing ability.

In a recent interview, Giannis expressed his surprise at how much attention his passing skills are now receiving. He stated that he has always been a willing passer and enjoys making plays for his teammates, but he never expected it to become such a focal point of discussion in the media and among fans.

A big man with guard skills

After showing great strides in his first three seasons in the league, then-Bucks coach Jason Kidd handed the playmaking reins to Giannis in 2016, and he has not looked back since then. In that season, Antetokounmpo averaged 5.4 assists per game and, later in the season, was named the league's Most Improved Player.

"You can call him point guard, point forward, point center, however you want to look at it," Kidd said in 2016.

"With him having the ball and the pressure he puts on the defense and his ability to find guys, has been a plus for us."

In the eight seasons since that breakout season, Giannis has averaged 5.5 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the league's best playmakers. This season, he's averaging a career-high 6.3 assists per game.

"I've become a more willing passer this year because my teammates are pretty freaking good, but I think I always could pass," Antetokounmpo said.

"Coming into the league, that was my thing that separated me, but we didn't have a lot of TV games, and a lot of people didn't pay attention to Milwaukee."

The franchise's all-time leader in assists

It's easy to focus on Giannis' scoring abilities, as he's one of the most dominant forces in the paint. But his ability to find open teammates and set them up for easy baskets has been crucial to the Bucks' success. While it may not be noticed right away, Antetokounmpo is actually the Bucks' all-time leader in assists, recording 3,751 dimes.

"So, people see me do a pass now, it's like, 'Oh, he can pass!' I've been passing. I'm the all-time assist leader in Milwaukee. 'Oh, he can pass!' Of course, I can pass," Giannis pointed out.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO