Giannis Antetokounmpo analysis | The new Shaq (2019)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a frontrunner for the MVP this year. But is he already the best player in the world? What weaknesses of his could be exposed in the playoffs? This detailed film breakdown & scouting report examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Milwaukee Bucks star while incorporating analytics & stats to assess his overall impact.
Locked On Nuggets pod: www.stitcher.com/podcast/lock...
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
IMPACT METRICS
-Backpicks BPM is a proprietary model that focuses on player skill instead of situational value. It is box score only.
-PIPM is a hybrid model (box score and plus-minus) that "luck-adjusts" plus-minus data (regresses FT% and 3pt%) to account for noise and is more sensitive to a player's role/fit on a given team. Created by @JacobEGoldstein
-250-day RAPM is a pure plus-minus model with a larger sample size than just a single-season. It is most sensitive to role/fit of these three. Available at: canzhiye.com/rapm/
-----
Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)

[@ThinkingBasketball]

To be clear, the Shaq comparison is not *literal.* It's a commentary on functional dominance at the rim shifting from the Post Up era (Shaq's strength) to the Pace-and-Space era (Giannis' length + speed). And yes, as many have noted, Giannis pushes the legality of the "gather" step on his Euros just like Harden pushes it on his step back.

[@speedoflin3025]

Thinking Basketball title currently says “Gianni” rather than “Giannis”. great video, script, and narration as always.

[@MrGetwellsoon]

Thinking Basketball, Giannis' style of basketball is detrimental to his body type. He's basically a 7ft Derrick Rose. It's just a matter of time before a major injury occurs due to his grinding and explosive movements on his body. There's a reason Shaq was so dominant for so long.

[@thenbaanaylst5064]

im trying to find a way to contact you about your impact metrics, is there any way I can discuss with you?

[@WatersAbove77]

MrGetWellSoon Giannis is pretty big though not nearly as skinny as previous years

[@0401412740]

Thinking Basketball this wasn't clear in the video. Be more considerate.

[@hailnijo7099]

Next video should be on Blake Griffen, the mans reinvention is something too good to not make a video on.

[@koffiekoffielekkerbakkieko8425]

TIFO basketball did this

[@Grunge_Cycling]

IKR

[@SomanSid]

Blake's offensive game is beautiful to watch

[@hailnijo7099]

@Lukas Sobolewski i commented that before i even saw the mike korzemba video lmao. Im a thunder and i just watched Blake hit all the threes in the world against us

[@niceasf7038]

Hail Nijo he went from a pure dunker, to an all around game

[@benmurdoch7689]

It's honestly refreshing to hear genuine critiquing of someone as good as Giannis. He IS one of the best NBA players right now but that doesn't make him perfect. Awesome vid man! Really enjoy your content

[@notquitemytempo1353]

Indeed. Objective and unbiased analysis. Well, there's no such thing as a perfect player anyway. What I love about Giannis is how much he works to improve on the flaws of his game. I mean, think about how raw he was in his early days and how refined he's become considering. His work ethic is the reason I believe he'll be the absolute best in the years to come. He's still young and he doesn't stop improving. His shot will get better, with experience he'll learn to be even more efficient defensively and limit turnovers and generally bad decisions offensively. The future is scary for the rest of the league for sure.

[@churbo9597]

Aaron Posey Yes. One on Steph please!!!

[@mildchaos6037]

Exactly, also refreshing when the media and fans shit on Harden the entire season. Giannis is amazing and deserving of being in best player on the planet debate but he’s not this perfect player so the critique is appreciated.

[@burner1303]

Considering how young he still is and how much he's improved over time, these criticisms are things to watch for improvement. Everyone talks about Giannis improving as a shooter, but Ben pointing out all the ways Giannis can improve as a passer or help defender makes Giannis even more scary tbh.

[@razkable]

think his coach has helped him a lot but imagine if he ha a legit coach from day 1..hes only 24...I cant wait to see him at age 27 with a 3 point shot..smdh..hes going to avg 36 too...and kill the guys guarding him

[@greylepoard]

It's unreal that this dude is only 24, it sometimes feels like he just came out of nowhere. Most of his weaknesses aren't even that bad they're things that can improve with experience. If he becomes even just a respectable shooter and stays healthy with his incredibly aggressive play style, he'll easily be the best player in the league in 3 years.

[@makarzorklin8265]

He already is the best player in the league. He has similar offense efficiency as Curry despite not having range, he is a solid play maker, and he plays defense at an all NBA level. Harden, Curry, and Durant may be better on offense, but he is by far the better defender. George, Embiid, Davis, and Leonard may be good two way players, but I think Giannis is better than all of them on offense. Lebron is also a good two way player when he tries, but Giannis is now the better defender, has a comparable offensive impact, and getting better.

[@kastrogoose4592]

@@makarzorklin8265 "Harden, Curry, and Durant may be better on offense" Remove that "may be" part. They are are better. Especially Harden. "George, Embiid, Davis, and Leonard may be good two way players" Again, remove the "may be". They are GREAT two way players. Perhaps its just hyperbole and I'm taking it too literally but man, stop tryna slight niggas to prove something. What Giannis is doing this season is special and will be remembered for a long time. No need to downplay great players with a proven track record to prop Giannis up.

[@jordonmelhado8073]

@@kastrogoose4592 Bro, he's not slighting them, that's just English. The phrase "may be" is used to acknowledge something as truth before making another relevant point, you're most likely confusing it with the word "maybe" which directly implies that there's only a possibility No one's slighting anyone, he was just articulating an opinion

[@makarzorklin8265]

@@kastrogoose4592 Yeah my phrasing was off on "may be". "Are" is a good substitute. I wasn't trying to downplay the how good the other players are I just think Giannis is the best player because he does everything at a high level. Out of the great two way players I think he is comparable on defense and better on offense. Out of the great offensive players I think he is close on offense, but much better at defense.

[@WatersAbove77]

Kevin Jules isn’t giannis more efficient than those players on offense? Also giannis is constantly double teamed/triple teamed a lot which opens up shots for his teammates. I take efficiency and winning over stats.

[@nightfighter2879]

Giannis has gotten even better in 2022, I think this video deserves a reboot.

[@professionalhater5760]

yup ive been asking forever now

[@lemickeyjames]

Prime Harden still clears this fraud

[@colombiansRul3s]

and now he's champ

[@svenschroeder4344]

bruh your channel is the GOAT of Basketball analysis

[@BeingWokeTV]

Those guys aren't try hards. They're just Nba fans like us making vids. ''Thinking Basketball'' tries to hard to sound smart by being too analytical. Casual fans just eat up everything he says because he sounds ''smart''.

[@jamesr169]

BBallbreakdown with Coach Nick is top tier phenomenal

[@rgonzalo511]

@@BeingWokeTV Being too analytical lol. So what, you want someone not being analytical in an analysis video lol. No wonder you love all those guys causs you want guys to make NBA analysis videos were they don't do any analysis.

[@BeingWokeTV]

Sometimes Stats have little to no meaning. That's my point.

[@svenschroeder4344]

@@BeingWokeTV Read his book. You wont say the things you said after doing that.

[@rjpele]

Lowkey never understand your NFL comparisons but your videos are still amazing

[@TheDeathsmask]

Righteous JildOfGod he was saying the way he changes direction to hit a hole on his eurosteps is as impressive as nfl running backs changing directions to squeeze through holes

[@coreyhall1266]

Righteous JildOfGod the way he runs at players and his strength

[@spegetiman]

How do you not und that?

[@spegetiman]

@David JR Really.... Muricunts... so I'm a cunt just because I couldn't get that people didn't understand the football anolagy and because I'm American? Ok

[@yikes4946]

@@spegetiman don't be so triggered, and David is wrong, this dickhead european (me) loves handegg-fotball! rather watch handegg instead of football(soccer)

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Giannis definitely ate the same devil fruit as Luffy in One Piece, because this is EXACTLY how Luffy would play basketball while pretending that he's not superhuman. I say we should throw him into the ocean and test my theory.

[@oliverogaz4224]

Arthur J gomu gomu no dunkkk

[@mossa_avenue]

Luffy in Gear 5 may look like Giannis

[@razkable]

gianiss is luffy confirmed ...kd is akainu....go get him luffy

[@testacer5101]

@@razkable Except Giannis is as good or better than KD

[@owethunala2632]

@@testacer5101 Giannis isn't as good as good KD. They're around the same level tho

[@shush916]

Wow this analysis was really well done and really refreshing. The vast majority of basketball discussion always seems to have hot takes or over-exaggerations, but I thought your analysis was very smooth. You intelligently articulated Giannis's pros and cons and I really like the overall smooth style of the video. Great work

[@torinoglenn2785]

Just did, I just saw a 7 ft human that galloped down the court, picked up his dribble 30 ft away and flew through the air from the free throw line.. against the pistons

[@chayson6974]

FR!

[@sylvaindelrue8886]

Ian torino I saw the same game and i saw 2 travellings in one action lmao....nba sucks

[@sniperflashgaming3868]

@@sylvaindelrue8886 I saw a gather step and 2 steps.

[@colinoconnor2744]

He accelerates in a way that just boggles the mind

[@diounly5102]

2022 Shaq he better than me

[@carter7752]

This man should be a scout, like damn

[@Kai-wf1um]

The video we've all been waiting for!

[@mikeyang6503]

SATURDAY MORNING WITH A NEW THINKING BASKETBALL VIDEO BLESSED

[@ThinkingBasketball]

🙏 Thanks for the love

[@alexmullihan7634]

Super refreshing channel! Tired of the talking heads on major networks polarizing every player as either God or Garbage. Your analysis is nuanced and presents strengths and weaknesses, which I think is awesome. Keep it up, dude.

[@3riantran]

Love your vids man, Keep it up !

[@jasonmadinya7759]

Another great analysis vid! Along with By Any Means Basketball, these are the best bball channels on youtube.

[@geordiejones5618]

Can I just say the background music on these videos is becoming iconic for me. I would instantly recognize it in a crowd and expect your voice. Perfect choice.

[@dimphomodika8323]

I wish we could get an update on this video

[@thomasmcculloch1283]

Can we revisit the Giannis breakdown post championship?

[@jazzchromaticdulcimer4223]

Another phenomenal video!

[@ryan82scott]

Arboreal. I love that you threw in the Groot reference to help people make sense of the word! If I could control Giannis like a 2K19 player, I'd want to bump his FT% up to 83%; he takes about six per game, so that would mean five "and 1s" made. That would make his 3 pt. output similar to Steph, who hits about five a game. Even if we are in the golden age of the 3 point shot, rim attacking, athletic forwards are still an incredibly valuable part of any team.

[@TellEveryoneRecords]

My very, very favorite new channel. So well done. I’d love to see a video on the best benches, either statistically or in winning contributions, of either all time or recent history.

[@tkcreus730]

I'm at that point where I just instantly like your new videos even before I watch them cause I'm always confident with your content. Keep up the good work.

[@Alvindinho]

Love these videos man, keep it up🤙🏼

[@6xo6hades63]

Yooo this channel is the best basketball channel there is on xo

[@rosuadlTsi]

The Gyro Step. That's amazing.

[@willhooke]

And delicious

[@tupapachu]

Your analysis are top notch. Keep it up, this channel will make you a very rich man very soon

[@DrEaMsNoEviL]

This channel is gonna blow up. Great content.

[@Irfanhill]

That may be the video in which you were lowkey the funniest so far that I've watched! - The Gyro step - The quiet nod to Noah (it's windy in Cleveland) - I am Groot

[@agregs30]

One thing that stands out for me is how much his frame has filled out. He was a twig coming into the league and I think that’s where the Nicolas Batum comps came in. But now he’s absolutely jacked for such a long frame that he overwhelms anyone physically.

[@billpeterson5068]

Your videos make me feel smarter. Thanks!

[@brendanmorales4504]

"Although it IS windy in Cleveland" oh man that was good. I Love Giannis.

[@talhakarsloglu4278]

Giannis has potential to become the GOAT.

[@kristian2699]

He will become the goat as a sixers fan

[@captaintre44]

I gotta win a ring first man

[@copernicannacinrepoc2491]

doubt it

[@jeremiahhull7180]

wildlion423 u use to roast Giannis in comment sections, I’m glad ur coming around

[@talhakarsloglu4278]

Tre Baylor Rings doesn't make one GOAT. If that is true, then Bill Russell is the GOAT.

[@dinospumoni5611]

Amazing. Would love to see more analyses of the very best players, either current or historical.

[@aCe-n-6ix]

Amazing breakdown

[@MrAnselm77]

Keep up the great work ....don’t stop

[@narekhart9862]

Pure unbiased facts man good channel +1sub

[@AL-nn7qc]

Anyone else revisiting this after Giannis and the Bucks won the 2021 championship?

[@am234523]

And now a CHAMPION 🏆

[@jr_jedd]

Giannis should be a boss in the next God of War game 😂

[@kevinrick5552]

The Asgardian Freak

[@imperatorboxing5071]

He’s already a boss on 2K, he’s fucking insane to play against in myCareer.

[@marlowencna]

i voted him twice as MVP

[@fractured44]

Thanks for the critiques, not many you hear about Giannis at this point. He’s still 24, but it is an overpowered 24. I really hope he sticks around in MKE.

[@itssecret.722]

Great video

[@andyryooable]

great video and bro you're talented.

[@professionalhater5760]

Please could we have another Giannis analysis, I would really love one. Please thinking basketball ❤

[@michaelkarastamatis8311]

Mad Greek O pa to the next mvp.bucks play first game in playoffs today.go bucks.

[@Foto_gui]

good video, man

[@cpthurme]

Good analysis on the vision

[@c.jarmstrong3111]

It's wild that he has so much to improve on, yet is already a top 3 player in the NBA. With some more dedicated work put into shooting and play making, Giannis will become a basketball god

[@kood9365]

great vid you need more subs

[@robertthabassheadjacobson4968]

Dang bro! Your channel is growing fast.

[@alexanderwiggins7684]

Great video! Keep up the fantastic work

[@ctb_aj999]

I already know this is gonna be a good vid

[@nftbot4906]

My request was heard!

[@deripowell4806]

My favorite player in the nba

[@budmontana8245]

In terms of height, speed, power and vert, he may be the most complete athlete in NBA history. And I wouldn't bet against him being 20 pounds heavier in his late 20's. The guy packs on more muscle every season.

[@riot2136]

Bud Montana I don’t know, wilt is still better to me. We’ll see when giannis is in his prime.

[@gamergamer7380]

Please do ayton! He was having such a quiet and efficient season!!

[@nastyeggplant]

Low key having a good season but he's playing in PHX and barely anyone watch them and most of his numbers are empty. Looks promising tho

[@jeremiahhull7180]

He will just expose his defense

[@latortugapicante719]

Nasty Eggplant he only takes like 12 shots a game, those aren’t empty stats

[@nastyeggplant]

@@latortugapicante719 what I meant was his numbers doest really translate to wins but I guess thsts because he plays in the suns

[@lukecagle342]

Alex Caruso next!! Love these vids man

[@nicoatencio4861]

You make basketball easier to understand

[@ulysseaka3855]

Great analysis ! Can someone tell me what is the background music ??

[@thizlam4810]

_”If Giannis learns how to shoot the 3, they’re gonna have to change the rules”_ - Shaq and Barkley

[@Scopenews24]

Nothing but respect well earn, type of guy I wanna play with!!!

[@MrOreo76]

Mvp by far, the definition of an mvp

[@yungtago9161]

Videos on Jamal Murray, buddy hield or deandre Ayton would be cool

[@ShannonSmith4u2]

Big strong, quick, hard-working baller. Some of the passes, that were not caught, were not his fault, his teammates need to expect him to dish, that will improve with time, as they get used to each other.

[@kesavsai6641]

ELASTIGIRL REACH, IM CRYING

[@earlycuyler8719]

His most underrated value is his ability to improve!

[@hpmlucci7553]

Giannis is still so young, all of this will be improved in the coming years

[@cifimayaka708]

Good job

[@neildegrasseholyfield]

that intro though 🤣🤣 "well, one day we might"

[@milesm1214]

Anyone out there, what are more channels with quality material like this? I've binged here and with basketball examined but would love to find another one.

[@roniveseli9004]

You should make a Lebron analycis.I really want to know more about his game

[@michaelbarnes2617]

I got him as the next GOAT, pretty soon he’s gonna be racking up awards and chips he just need to keep working on his game which he does religiously

[@catman63]

The king has passed the torch

[@tyrellthompson1228]

He's a literal monstar

[@godnotavailable2094]

"Rubber band" is a great way to describe him. I've never seen any player physically capable of stretching their body like that to get to the rim.

[@kashkoush235]

Great video do Collin Sexton next

[@t4d0W]

All the stuff he can work beyond having a 3-point shot will still add to his potentially insane dominance one he hits his prime. But the real insane factor is that he looks to put good effort on defense. With experience he can probably stop his bad habits and essentially be the evolution of the super help defender. He'll hunt the perimeter to cut off passing lanes, smoke the guy out of the corner with the threat to snuff his shot and even at the end still contest any shot ending up at the rim. Probably the best version of an efficient 'inside' scorer who is a two-way player that you just build shooters around.

[@evanjenkins7194]

he be walkin bro

[@atomsk1972]

I think this playoff series will answer the question whether he is the new king of the league. The will to win is the mark of champions. I'd like to think he is going to show up come play off time and exert his will - time will tell.

[@llbuitre]

What more if he will be having a good jumpshot? This dude will be completely unstoppable.

[@OGGOAT23]

It' scary how good Giannis will be in 4years..omg

[@s.l5787]

Wilt Chamberlain can actually jump from the FT line and dunk. They had to ban that before Wilt came into the league to make sure Wilt didn't just dunk all his free throws.

[@TokyoBalletReprise]

Nope, nobody has ever said that. Wilt is overrated and would be a bum today.

[@garygwin1741]

This guy has got better handles amd shooting than Shaq had. Lots of room to improve

[@ecatuccio]

Unrivaled travels.

[@cee155]

MVP!

[@sessahme]

5:06 Arboreal limbs! Nice vocab. I bet you did well on your SAT.

[@33crushman]

Man it's really scary how good this guy could be when he's 28-30. He's about to win an MVP on talent and effort alone. When his game gets more polished it really could be game over for the rest of the league.

[@azeemindawala]

Best player in the league easily rn

[@moogerchee2287]

owned by jimmy butler kawhi leonard, had to injure kyrie on purpose to make it past second round. giannis overrated @@azeemindawala

[@Android-om6sr]

Please do a video on Rudy Gobert. His defensive impact is what is making the Jazz relevant today. I know Donovan Mitchell is a stud, but that team would not be where it is now without his impact.

[@adeunadeniyi357]

I think the fact he has so much room to grow makes him scary.

[@shanemcdonald5620]

The world is gonna find out how great Giannis is these playoffs

[@shanemcdonald5620]

@Young Weber Yea imma new yorker but ive loved giannis since he was drafted. he took next step. generational talent

[@rohandogra8249]

Do a video on Mitchell Robinson and his potential

[@nemow0w69]

Great video again! Could you make an analysis about Domantas Sabonis and his impact to Pacers?

[@jioreyes5838]

what a beast

[@stayrospaparunas3062]

Giannis,a player with no tattoos

[@enjoynetsl]

MVP

[@TheJoshymane]

It'd be awesome to see you do a video on my 2k myplayer