Giannis' Development

[skones]

Yeah, I'm still vehemently against the Giannis at Center idea. He's starting to hit that corner 3 with consistency, and forcing him down in the paint to guard stronger centers negates his greatest strength in being able to post up smaller 3's and blow by slower 4's off the dribble.

Like I said earlier this season, just put him at PF and watch him put up Blake type numbers (20/9/5/1/1) in 3 years.

How does his defensive assignment negate his strength on the offensive end? He'll still be able to blow by opposing centers off the dribble, and his range probably becomes a significant advantage at that position. If he can hold his own defensively and on the glass at that position, it makes our roster downright scary in today's league. Him being a poor rebounder is probably one of the primary reasons we haven't gone in that direction already.

Because Giannis contributes defensively much better at 3 and 4 to spend him at 5 which he will struggle against big bodies.

Like Millbuck said, i would be fine having Giannis playing some minutes at C surrounded with shooters.

Also, Giannis is a poor rebounder?

For his size, length, and athleticism, there is no argument you can make that would make him anything other than poor on the glass.

[M-C-G]

For his size, length, and athleticism, there is no argument you can make that would make him anything other than poor on the glass.

Jason Kidd and his scheme running Giannis out the second row challenging threes says hello

[Ron Swanson]

How does his defensive assignment negate his strength on the offensive end? He'll still be able to blow by opposing centers off the dribble, and his range probably becomes a significant advantage at that position. If he can hold his own defensively and on the glass at that position, it makes our roster downright scary in today's league. Him being a poor rebounder is probably one of the primary reasons we haven't gone in that direction already.

Because Giannis contributes defensively much better at 3 and 4 to spend him at 5 which he will struggle against big bodies.

Like Millbuck said, i would be fine having Giannis playing some minutes at C surrounded with shooters.

Also, Giannis is a poor rebounder?

For his size, length, and athleticism, there is no argument you can make that would make him anything other than poor on the glass.

Huh? He's logged 72% of his minutes at SF. How many 3's average more than 7 boards per game? Is Lebron a "poor rebounder" then?

[Magic Giannison]

How does his defensive assignment negate his strength on the offensive end? He'll still be able to blow by opposing centers off the dribble, and his range probably becomes a significant advantage at that position. If he can hold his own defensively and on the glass at that position, it makes our roster downright scary in today's league. Him being a poor rebounder is probably one of the primary reasons we haven't gone in that direction already.

Because Giannis contributes defensively much better at 3 and 4 to spend him at 5 which he will struggle against big bodies.

Like Millbuck said, i would be fine having Giannis playing some minutes at C surrounded with shooters.

Also, Giannis is a poor rebounder?

For his size, length, and athleticism, there is no argument you can make that would make him anything other than poor on the glass.

But he is playing at SF and defends mostly the perimeter and not close to the boards. If he was playing closer like last night i would say sure but still i dont think 7 board per game for an SF is that bad.

[DingleJerry]

So I'm guessing to get to that 72% they must be counting him as the 3 and Jabari as the 4, which is debateable. From the eye test of watching a lot of games, I feel like he relies on his athleticism and length, but isn't really good with the fundamentals and dirty work of rebounding. With his superior tools that still makes him at least adequate though. With more coaching, adding bulk, and playing a system where he just around the hoop more I'm confident he'd be a fine rebounder. Still I don't think it would be a good idea to plan your main lineup with him at 5. He'll probably never have the bulk for that, but a change-up small lineup designed to score a ton of points, that makes a lot of sense when you can get away with it.

[MiltownHawkeye]

How many SFs are averaging more rebounds, per game or per 36, than Giannis? Like two?

[H2tObes]

Giannis would be a dominant center if he put on weight imo. I like him better being able to guard the perimeter and slash though, more versatility. Turning him into a center would take away too many of his marvelous strengths

[DingleJerry]

I think he's the perfect model of a 4 in the modern NBA. Most stretch 4s are weak on D and rebounding. Traditional 4s hurt spacing and can't chase on the perimeter when needed, or switch screens, lead a fast break right off their own rebound. I think he's the perfect blend when the shot improves even more.

ETA: most stretch 4s can't play C in change up lineups. Traditional 4s can't slide to 3 in big lineups. Giannis can do all this. Probably the second biggest thing GSW has shown everyone is how huge flexibility can be

[Xanadu]

I think he's the perfect model of a 4 in the modern NBA. Most stretch 4s are weak on D and rebounding. Traditional 4s hurt spacing and can't chase on the perimeter when needed, or switch screens, lead a fast break right off their own rebound. I think he's the perfect blend when the shot improves even more.

ETA: most stretch 4s can't play C in change up lineups. Traditional 4s can't slide to 3 in big lineups. Giannis can do all this. Probably the second biggest thing GSW has shown everyone is how huge flexibility can be

Yeah I agree can't remember who said it but instead of the stretch 4 everyone will be looking for a play making 4. I think Giannis has the skills to be just that. If he can add a decent three ball he will be what everyone in the league will be trying to get for a 4. Lebron is already in that role but I can see a future where more players who play 3 in college will be 4s in the NBA.

[Ron Swanson]

I think he's the perfect model of a 4 in the modern NBA. Most stretch 4s are weak on D and rebounding. Traditional 4s hurt spacing and can't chase on the perimeter when needed, or switch screens, lead a fast break right off their own rebound. I think he's the perfect blend when the shot improves even more.

ETA: most stretch 4s can't play C in change up lineups. Traditional 4s can't slide to 3 in big lineups. Giannis can do all this. Probably the second biggest thing GSW has shown everyone is how huge flexibility can be

Yeah I agree can't remember who said it but instead of the stretch 4 everyone will be looking for a play making 4. I think Giannis has the skills to be just that. If he can add a decent three ball he will be what everyone in the league will be trying to get for a 4. Lebron is already in that role but I can see a future where more players who play 3 in college will be 4s in the NBA.

Two words: Chris Webber (without the injuries of course)

[Magic Giannison]

Kobe on Giannis.
http://www.eurohoops.net/featured/190335/kobe-giannis-can-be-a-phenomenal-player

[breakchains]

I can't lie. When I saw the Porzingis story that he was going to stay with Knicks coaches this summer, it got me a little jealous.

[greekbuck34]

I can't lie. When I saw the Porzingis story that he was going to stay with Knicks coaches this summer, it got me a little jealous.

What story? You mean he will stay in USA and won't travel with Latvia NT for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament?
I heard nothing like that.

I just remember that he stayed in USA and out of the Eurobasket the previous summer(2015) when he was just drafted(and booed) and it wasn't a big deal for anyone.

Now it's a different story. He became almost instantly the star of his NT(like Giannis) and a big hope for a small country like Latvia to fight and get the ticket for the Olympics at Rio...
If he decides or compel to stay in NY a **** will follow...

I don't know anything about his character though so it could be true..

[har13]

http://www.sdna.gr/news-english/article/169830/antetokounmpo-and-koufos-play-pre-olympic-tournament

[emunney]

Three years ago last week:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZu9Y_4SCks[/youtube]

Man.

[emunney]

ewps.

[Matches Malone]

Three years ago last week:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZu9Y_4SCks[/youtube]

Man.

Jesus that's adorable. He's like a little puppy.

[M-C-G]

So I'm guessing to get to that 72% they must be counting him as the 3 and Jabari as the 4, which is debateable. From the eye test of watching a lot of games, I feel like he relies on his athleticism and length, but isn't really good with the fundamentals and dirty work of rebounding. With his superior tools that still makes him at least adequate though. With more coaching, adding bulk, and playing a system where he just around the hoop more I'm confident he'd be a fine rebounder. Still I don't think it would be a good idea to plan your main lineup with him at 5. He'll probably never have the bulk for that, but a change-up small lineup designed to score a ton of points, that makes a lot of sense when you can get away with it.

How many SFs are averaging more rebounds, per game or per 36, than Giannis? Like two?

Per 36 SF with greater than 1000 minutes played this season

Carmelo Anthony (age 31) 8.1 reb
Kevin Durant (27) 7.9
Al-Farouq Aminu (25) 7.8
Omri Casspi (27) 7.8
Robert Covington (25) 7.8
Giannis Antetokounmpo (21) 7.4
Kawhi Leonard (24) 7.4
Rudy Gay (29) 7.2
LeBron James (31) 7.2
Tony Allen (34) 7.0

Giannis 1st 26 games 6.8 TRB per game, Giannis 2nd 26 games 7.5 TRB per game.

I guess you can change the argument any which way you want, but for a SF which is where he is debatably playing, he is quite good, especially given his age.

All that said, I also don't want him playing at the 5, other than select match ups.

[Prez]

Can't believe he started playing when he was 14, that is amazing to me. At 14 Wiggins led his HS team to a 44-1 record and Jabari led Simeon to a state championship and got offers/interest from Florida, Duke, UK, UNC. Giannis' ball handling, passing instincts, fluidity on the court is insane for a guy who started playing that late. Dude was born to play ball. One of the main reasons I have no idea what his ceiling is, he's still a baby in terms of experience and has improved so rapidly every year.

[ZeppelinPage]

I'm confident that next year Giannis will stay consistent and play like he did right out of the gate.