Defending champion, the « Greek Freak » is still hungry | NBA

Fifty years after their first title, the Bucks have managed to win a second, with no longer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar but Giannis Antetokounmpo in « franchise player ». At 26, the « Greek Freak » had the added bonus of winning the Finals MVP trophy, further filling his cupboard with individual awards.

But only two and a half months after their coronation, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee must already put on the warmth, with first the unveiling of their second champion’s banner and obtaining their ring in the sights. Then, once this ceremony is over, the only objective will be the double.

 » Are we satisfied? No I’m not and I’m not close », Hammered the double MVP (2019, 2020) during the Media Day of his team, concerning his aspirations.  » This is the message that we must collectively send out. And, as a leader, that’s the message I’m trying to get across. We are aware that the other franchises will want to come and get us, but we will be ready. « 

Progress, again and again

With 30.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.2 against average in the last playoffs, but above all 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 against per game in the Finals against the Suns, Giannis Antetokounmpo knows he will be more expected than ever in 2021/22.

At the height of his glory, but eager to remain the hunter and not to be considered the best player on the planet, the Greek only thinks about his personal progress. What is characteristic of the greatest is this eternal quest for perfection and the All-Star interior does not yet consider itself to be at the top individually.

 » All I want now is to improve “, Thus assured the Defender of the Year 2020, far from being satisfied.  » I don’t care about titles, MVP trophies, Defender of the Year trophies… I just care about my progress because if I get better, more things happen behind. This is what I have done throughout my career and it is thanks to this that I found myself in this position. There is no more pressure on my shoulders, it remains the same. Of course, I appreciate that we are the reigning champions, but nothing has changed and I want to improve further. « 

Become more consistent on free throws

The main axis of improvement of Giannis Antetokounmpo obviously concerns his throws, since he turned only to 69% success in the field, in the regular season. And, in the playoffs, this percentage fell squarely to 59%! Even though he finished an impressive 17/19 from the throwing line, in that game-changing Game 6 in Milwaukee.

 » Life would be so much better, if I could make it happen more often “Joked the MVP of the 2021 Finals, author of 50 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks in this famous game, before resuming his seriousness.  » I want to put my free throws, I have to achieve it. To win [ce Game 6], I had to put my throws and there will be a lot more games in which I will have to do it. I really need to improve myself in this area. And if I had to hold something back [du Game 6], it would probably be [mes lancers-francs], as well as my counters. I was running everywhere! « 

And to keep his motivation as much as possible, Giannis Antetokounmpo will also be able to use the comments of a good number of observers, who only speak of the Lakers or the Nets to succeed the Bucks, in 2022.

 » We know we’re the 2021 Champions, but now we’re just the Milwaukee Bucks, who no one believed in. And no one thinks that we can [réussir le doublé] », Concluded in this regard the one who hopes to recover quickly from his knee injury.