"Point Giannis" Gives the Bucks Roster Construction Flexibility
Of all the obvious positives the Milwaukee Bucks are getting from Giannis Antetokounmpo's lightning-quick development running the point, his stunning all-around game since the All-Star break will give management more options in building a winning roster.
Should the Bucks want to continue down this road - and why wouldn't you when he's averaging 19.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists while posting 4 triple-doubles - the toughest part is figuring out what you do at "point guard."
It starts by not thinking about traditional positions as a 1-5 proposition.
If that's tough for you to do, just consider Giannis the starting point guard and move Michael Carter-Williams to the bench. Assuming Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker and Greg Monroe are still with the team next season, that opens up a spot for either a pure shooter or a man down low.
Those are two spots Milwaukee desperately needs to improve.
A viable rim-defender and defensive rebounder can fill the underneath role, while a proven marksman would help to solve the Bucks' icy outside aerial show.
Considering Parker has also shown a boost in his game, scoring 20.1 points per contest since the break, the Bucks' offense appears in good hands. With Middleton at 18.3 and Monroe with 15.8 a night, that's a sizable amount of points as a base to work with each game.
So, does a stud shooter or an effective big man make more sense? If a long ball specialist falls in your lap, you would love that guy, though it may not be the best option for this starting 5. The offense is getting there, even without him, though he'd be a nice weapon off the bench.
I'd lean the way of the inside presence as it would have a greater impact on the Bucks' defense, the biggest disappointment this year.
For one, the Bucks are the worst team in the NBA in defensive rebounding percentage, collecting just 72.5% of the available defensive rebounds. This has played a large role in the Bucks' diminishing defensive returns and has allowed the opponent too many 2nd-chance opportunities.
Entering Sunday's game, Milwaukee had just 2 players in the top 130 in defensive rebounds per 100 possessions - Monroe at 10.9 and Antetokounmpo with 8.9. Monroe has been strong all season on the glass, but he still ranks just 34th in that category. Giannis, despite improvements, ranks 87th.
Look around the league at other successful NBA clubs. The Toronto Raptors have the 7th and 20th-ranked defensive rebounders. Indiana has 4 players in the top 100 and their 5th ranks 111th.
Even the Golden State Warriors, rarely recognized for the defensive side of their game, have 3 players in the top 50 and 4 among the best 75.
For reference, in defensive rebounds per 100 possessions, Miles Plumlee is 3rd on the Bucks (131st in the NBA), followed by John Henson (134th), Carter-Williams (150th) and Parker (204th).
If you want to talk about a complete team deficiency, it doesn't get much uglier than that - especially considering on most nights Parker would be seen as your "power forward." This would be another notch in the argument for an adjustment of positional analysis.
Another true big man would also stop the bleeding inside as well, with the Bucks being a gracious host in the paint this season. They've actually given up the 5th-most layups this season. If you've been watching this season, you're not surprised having witnesses so much soft defending near the hoop.
This additional rim-defender wouldn't need to be a scorer of any kind, either. Just let him do the dirty work on 'D' and clean the glass all night, and that would go a long way in shoring up some defensive issues. And yes, this sounds like Zaza Pachulia (16th in def. rebounds per 100 possessions).
And again, this is made possible by "Point Giannis" if they truly keep up with this strategy. Now Giannis is at PG, Middleton SG, Parker SF, Monroe PF/C and then add your new center or power forward.
Some may argue that Plumlee can do the job or a healthy Henson is what the doctor ordered...and maybe that could work, but I think that's settling if you look at their rate stats. There are guys out there who would fit the bill, both free agents and backups available in trade.
The key, of course, is figuring out which player can transfer his skills to a new team or even into a full-time role. The best value may be found in a guy playing just 10-15 minutes a game right now, but could be elite on the glass as a starter.
Take Thomas Robinson, a 6-10 forward with the Brooklyn Nets. He's getting only 11.5 minutes per game while grabbing 12.7 defensive rebounds per 100 possession. That's good for 8th in the league.
Sure, that rate may dip with additional playing time, but rebounds seem to be more transferrable than points when players get added minutes. One wouldn't think the Nets would want too much in return. It could be a small deal with real potential to strengthen a Bucks' weakness.
Or maybe it's a 3-man rotation between Monroe, a guy like Robinson and the 7-foot, 3-inch Boban Marjanovic of Sacramento. He's not even getting 8 minutes a game, but again, secures defensive boards at a high clip - good for 6th in the NBA in defensive rebounds per 100 possessions.
There are certainly other options out there should Milwaukee look to fine tune the areas of need and trust in the offensive skill sets of the other 4 starters. A number of under-the-radar free agents are also available where the Bucks can take advantage of a change in their focus.
As noted, this all is predicated on Giannis continuing to play the point. If the Bucks' brass wants him to be a "3" and sometimes handle the ball, then they box themselves into a corner and limit their options, because you still need a starting point guard and your starting 5 is set.
If they just call him the "1" and run with it, the Bucks can do just about whatever they want in building a winning roster.