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Giannis Antetokounmpo has traded his three-point attempts for more midrange jumpers this season. Antetokounmpo is averaging less than one three-point attempt per game, which is his lowest output since 14-15. Antetokounmpo has made 102 midrange shots, which is fourth in the NBA.

"I've worked on it," Antetokounmpo told ESPN. "Guys are giving it to me. I got to shoot it because it's less toll on my body. I got to shoot it, man."

Antetokounmpo worked on his jumper with skills coach Drew Hanlen this past offseason to give himself another offensive weapon and avoid excess contact on his body.

"I'm in my thirties, obviously, [and] I believe that I have four [to] six years, still, of good basketball to give, but I got to be smarter," Antetokounmpo said. "I got to be smarter in the way I play."

Antetokounmpo is averaging more than 30 points while attempting less than one three-pointer per game, which hasn't been done since Karl Malone in 89-90.

"Me shooting a bunch of 3s -- which I would love; trust me, I love shooting the ball -- but right now, that's not what my team needs from me," Antetokounmpo said. "I know I'm going to make big 3s, big shots. But that's not my main focus. My main focus is to attack, facilitate, get the 15-footers all day long. If I have 20 of them, I'm going to take all 20 of them."

Via Jamal Collier/ESPN

Guy just turned 30 in December, yet he's talking like he's already in the twilight of his career.

TheCage4 wrote:Guy just turned 30 in December, yet he's talking like he's already in the twilight of his career.

this is his 12th seasons. If he ends up playing 18, and I think only Lebron and CP3 are the only active players with more than 18, that means 2/3 of his NBA career is behind him.

donemilio21 wrote:

TheCage4 wrote:Guy just turned 30 in December, yet he's talking like he's already in the twilight of his career.

this is his 12th seasons. If he ends up playing 18, and I think only Lebron and CP3 are the only active players with more than 18, that means 2/3 of his NBA career is behind him.

Good context

I'd still take the over in Giannis' specific unique case.

He's 7 feet tall.

He's seemingly indestructible (remember the championship year would-be knee injury in the Finals).

He loves to play as much as anyone.

Has the "I grew up poor" puritan work ethic.

Wise. Bigs around 30 drops off significantly without a J.

I still blame Jason Kidd for ruining the beautiful stroke he was drafted with, by eliminating the natural dip he had in his shot.

For his career, he shoots under 30% from 3pt range. I think there is more to it than extending his career.

I said this for years about Giannis and Ben Simmons. Everybody was shouting for Simmons to get a 3pt, but I cringe every time Giannis lets one fly. They don't need a 3pt shot, they just need a 10-15 footer. If Giannis could get that Duncan shot off glass, it's over. He could get it in a summer.

puja21 wrote:

donemilio21 wrote:

TheCage4 wrote:Guy just turned 30 in December, yet he's talking like he's already in the twilight of his career.

this is his 12th seasons. If he ends up playing 18, and I think only Lebron and CP3 are the only active players with more than 18, that means 2/3 of his NBA career is behind him.

Good context

I'd still take the over in Giannis' specific unique case.

He's 7 feet tall.

He's seemingly indestructible (remember the championship year would-be knee injury in the Finals).

He loves to play as much as anyone.

Has the "I grew up poor" puritan work ethic.

Yeah, lets compare him to the most durable player in games played (Playoff and regular season combined) Lebron first 11 years of career: 1000 games or 91 per season ; Giannis first 11 years of career: 871 games or 79 per season. That's much less wear and tear than Lebron. I can definitely see him making it another 8 to 10 years in the league.

He is going to need to take some long 2s in BK or his next team. He is just being smart and getting ready for the inevitable change of scenery.