Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the best basketball player in the world. While he and Stephen Curry can keep politely squabbling with each other about who’s better, we all know that both men are absolutely sensational with what they can achieve on the NBA court.
Unlike Steph, Giannis got to broaden his game by spending the summer playing in EuroBasket 2022 for Greece. We have heard European players like Luka Doncic talk about how the rules in the continent make it harder to play basketball, and Giannis reiterated the same while explaining how playing in Europe allows him to see more opportunities on the more open NBA court.
“First of all, the game in Europe is way harder than the game in the NBA. I don’t wanna disrespect, the talent in the NBA is obviously way higher but the space, you have a lot of lanes to drive the ball, a lot of lanes to create over there it is just more intense. People pick you up full court, double-team you, man-to-man in the last 5 seconds… It’s just more physical. I don’t know if it’s because the talent is less and you need to be more physical to catch up, it’s harder. Always playing there prepares me for the season… Just playing that pace, playing a set offense and in less space, it helps me figure out things. Now when I go to an NBA game, I feel like there is so much space for me and for me to create for my teammates.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo: "The game in Europe is way harder than the game in the NBA." pic.twitter.com/ge25T8ylVv
— Dionysis Aravantinos (@AravantinosDA) September 25, 2022
Giannis Antetokounmpo Taking Another Step Forward?
When a player has already won 2 MVPs, a Finals MVP, and a Defensive Player of the Year, it is hard to look at room for improvement. However, Giannis is turning 28 this season and is in his athletic prime.
The Greek star spoke about reading the court and how European basketball helps you make better decisions due to the lack of space on the court. The NBA rules keep defenses moving, which creates more space for players to exploit. Luka and Nikola Jokic have been benefitting from that, and now Giannis is looking to take his IQ game to another level.
Giannis can be a perennial MVP but needs to wow audiences to actually take the award home for the 3rd time in his career. Considering his age, experience, and what the Bucks need to win a title, another step in Giannis’ career is likely.
