Patrick Beverley spoke about the best power forwards in the NBA on a recent episode of his podcast. While naming the best – Karl-Anthony Towns, Zion Williamson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Draymond Green – Beverley bizarrely excluded his former teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, claiming that he was a small forward.
“There’s not a lot of power forwards out there… Greek Freak, not a four! He’s a three. Greek Freak is a three, are you crazy? Khris Middleton, Dame Lillard, and Greek Freak, what are you talking about? I put Greek Freak in the same position I put Wemby, Bron, and KD. Positionless basketball.”
“Can’t say you’re a four and you’re playing the point… Just because he’s 7′, does that make him a forward?… Zion is a four… Karl-Anthony Towns, Zion, Jaren Jackson, Lauri Markkanen, and Draymond definitely still gotta be there.”
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Beverley’s comments have some good reasoning behind them, but cannot be considered accurate. While Giannis Antetokounmpo is trusted to bring the ball up, that doesn’t make him a small forward. His size, speed, and dominance force all of his coaches to play him in the power-forward position.
Many would argue that he is the best player at that position, and definitely belongs on Beverley’s list. Considering the fact that Beverley most recently played with Giannis on the same team, it is surprising to hear his assessment of Antetokoumpo’s position on the court.
Of course, Beverley didn’t mean to disrespect Antetokounmpo by excluding him from his best power forwards list, but that doesn’t make his assessment of the situation correct. Giannis is a power forward and regularly plays in that position.
What Is The Future For Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have struggled to get back to the NBA championship since their historic win in 2021. In fact, the Bucks haven’t managed to get out of the second round of the playoffs since that year. And Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear he will not stick around if the Bucks don’t compete.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has often used his desire to compete for and win championships as a way to put pressure on and leverage the Bucks to make moves that will elevate their roster.
In 2020, amidst concerns that Giannis might leave in free agency the following year, the Bucks traded for Jrue Holiday, a move that effectively won them the 2021 NBA championship.
And last year, Giannis did it again, speculating openly on his future, which forced the Bucks to trade for Damian Lillard. Both times, Giannis got what he wanted, and signed contract extensions with the Bucks.
However, if the Bucks aren’t able to at least make some waves in the playoffs next season, Giannis might try to demand a trade. It was reported recently that the Golden State Warriors would be interested in that situation, as would many other teams in the NBA. This upcoming season is pivotal for Giannis and the Bucks.
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