Giannis Antetokounmpo will be getting all the keys for the Milwaukee Bucks next season following the team’s release of nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who has signed with his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers. Without Lillard, Giannis is left without any real second option as he looks to snag his second NBA championship next season.
This predicament can be a silver lining for the Bucks and the Greek Freak, considering the bleak success his pairing with Lillard got them.
Here are three reasons why the Bucks will be much better with Giannis running a solo show.
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3 reasons why Milwaukee Bucks will be much better with Giannis Antetokounmpo running a solo show
1. It re-establishes Giannis as a force to be reckoned with
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For the past two years, Giannis Antetokounmpo was set aside for more offensively dominant players in the league, such as the past two NBA MVPs Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Without Lillard or any co-star, Giannis could once again be one of the most dominant players in the league.
Giannis will be getting more looks and more freedom to do what he wants on the floor for the next season. Think of the 2017 version of Russell Westbrook, who ran roughshod over the league following the departure of Kevin Durant, earning him the MVP award.
Giannis could emulate that and run the show alone for the Bucks. Such a style of play would even catapult him into all-time great conversations if he propels the team into an amiable playoff run.
2. Clearer hierarchy within the team
Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the main man, would have the rest in their roles as complementary pieces, making it clearer than ever that he will be the top dog in the roster.
This would benefit the team as their role players, such as Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner and Kevin Porter Jr., will also have clearer roles on the court, where they could also thrive and be a star for themselves.
There could also be less indecisiveness and more understanding on where they would go, especially in late-game situations.
With fewer competing stars, Giannis will be the only team’s ride or die.
3. With many options done, time for Giannis to carry the ship alone
The Bucks saw numerous stars pair up with Giannis Antetokounmpo, such as Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. While it bore a 2021 title with Middleton and Holiday, the team has struggled to replicate such a feat since.
With no better roster option remaining, it’s now time for Giannis to take heavier accountability after the failed experiments with Lillard.
It’s up to the Greek Freak to prove that he is capable of lifting a lackluster supporting cast to success, just like other greats before him.
Perhaps, that will be the chip on his shoulder for next season.
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