Is Giannis Antetokounmpo a ‘Superman’ or a versatile team player? The Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff is watching closely at EuroBasket as he navigates a fascinating dual role with Greece. Darvin Ham and Doc Rivers have insights that might surprise you about his evolving game. Could this international experience change how the Bucks utilize their superstar?
The basketball world watches with keen interest as Giannis Antetokounmpo showcases a distinctly different playing style with the Greek National Team at EuroBasket 2025, a departure from his familiar role as the undisputed “Superman” for the Milwaukee Bucks. This intriguing shift has not gone unnoticed, with key members of the Bucks’ coaching staff, including assistant coach Darvin Ham and head coach Doc Rivers, making the journey to Cyprus to observe their superstar in action.
Darvin Ham provided illuminating insights into Antetokounmpo’s adjusted responsibilities, highlighting a more team-oriented approach with Greece. Unlike his extensive usage rate with the Milwaukee Bucks, where the ball is constantly in his hands, Ham noted that the Greek system emphasizes sets and a slower pace. This contrasts sharply with the high-octane NBA style, compelling Giannis Antetokounmpo to adapt to a more collaborative offensive structure.
Ham lauded Giannis’s ability to embrace this modified role, stressing his effectiveness in involving teammates and allowing plays to naturally unfold. For Ham, this versatility is a testament to Antetokounmpo’s greatness, demonstrating his capacity to be both the dominant force required by the Milwaukee Bucks and a facilitating leader for the Greek National Team. It underscores a player who can seamlessly transition between different tactical demands.
Also present in Cyprus, Doc Rivers expressed his admiration for the European style of play, particularly the intricate movement and “elbow action” he observed. Rivers candidly admitted his intention to “steal” some of these sophisticated plays to potentially implement with the Milwaukee Bucks, seeking to diversify their offensive schemes. While acknowledging Giannis Antetokounmpo’s increased post-play, Rivers perceived less of a dramatic shift in his overall game compared to Ham’s observations.
Despite the emphasis on a more collective approach, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant performance in Greece’s EuroBasket opener against Italy. The nine-time All-Star recorded an impressive 31 points on highly efficient shooting (14-20 FG), along with seven rebounds and two assists, securing a crucial 75-66 victory for the Greek National Team. His individual brilliance remains undeniable, even within a different system.
An particularly interesting statistic from the Italy game was Greece’s +12 point differential when Antetokounmpo was off the court. This starkly contrasts with the Milwaukee Bucks’ common struggles whenever their talisman rests, raising questions about the depth and collective strength of the Greek National Team. It will be a compelling narrative throughout EuroBasket 2025 to see if this trend of robust performance in Giannis’s absence continues or proves to be an anomaly.
The Greek National Team is set to face Cyprus next, with the Milwaukee Bucks’ coaching contingent likely in attendance. Their primary hope, beyond gathering strategic insights, is for Giannis Antetokounmpo to navigate the remainder of the tournament without injury. This international exposure not only offers him a different developmental experience but also provides valuable strategic lessons for the Bucks’ staff to consider for the upcoming NBA season.
