Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in modern basketball. He is an absolute force near the rim, and many view him as the spiritual successor to Shaquille O’Neal in terms of playstyle and physicality.
Due to his athletic gifts, it is very difficult to fully stop Giannis Antetokounmpo from scoring the basketball. However, there are definitely some strategies one could use to slow him down. Scottie Pippen, who was one of the best defensive players in the league, recently shared his strategy for stopping Giannis Antetokounmpo when speaking in a recent interview. (9:00)
I think you have to try to force him out on the floor. When I mean out on the floor, you gotta take him out of the paint, that’s your first job. Not an easy task by any means. He’s definitely a dominant player. Reminds me a lot of Shaq. But I’m going to say that he has a bit more range than what Shaq had… I think physically you have to try and push and push Giannis out… I don’t think I’m the guy that could guard Giannis… he’s too big for me. I’d be more of the help or the double… You would have to put a big body on him… Like Horace, Dennis Rodman. He’s a tall order.
The majority of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s scoring comes near the rim, though in recent years he has developed a better midrange game. It is definitely difficult for a wing player of Scottie Pippen’s size to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo 1-on-1, and as he mentions, it would definitely take a team effort.
Most superstars generally find a way to impose themselves on the game even if the defense’s efforts are focused on slowing them down. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the exact same way. Some believe that he can become the most dominant player of all time, and perhaps we’ll see him accomplish enough to be considered most dominant in the future.
