Ever wondered if the Milwaukee Bucks could learn a thing or two from international basketball? Darvin Ham and Doc Rivers were spotted in Greece, meticulously observing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance. Could the ‘Greek Freak’s’ EuroBasket style unlock a new dimension for the Bucks next season? What strategic insights will they bring back?
The Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff, including head coach Darvin Ham and advisor Doc Rivers, recently embarked on a strategic trip to the FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Their mission was clear: to closely observe the reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as he spearheaded Greece’s men’s national team in what has proven to be a highly competitive international tournament. This unusual scouting venture underscores the Bucks’ commitment to refining their approach and leveraging every possible advantage for their star player.
During a crucial victory against Italy, both Rivers and Ham were present in the stands, meticulously analyzing Antetokounmpo’s performance. Post-game, they conveyed their admiration for what they witnessed, noting the distinct style and effectiveness Giannis displayed in the international arena. Antetokounmpo’s stat line of 31 points on efficient 14-20 shooting, coupled with seven rebounds and two assists, highlighted his dominant offensive output and overall impact on the game.
However, keen observers familiar with the Milwaukee Bucks’ system undoubtedly recognized a different facet of the “Greek Freak’s” game. When questioned about the variations between Milwaukee’s and Greece’s game plans, Coach Ham acknowledged the noticeable differences. This observation sparks a critical discussion about whether Antetokounmpo’s expanded playmaking and facilitating responsibilities with Greece could be sustainably integrated into the Bucks’ offensive scheme, especially considering his self-professed comfort and excellence in such a role, as demonstrated during past injury absences.
While Giannis Antetokounmpo is undeniably capable of creating opportunities for his teammates and doing so effectively, it has historically not been his primary function within the Milwaukee Bucks’ structure. The team’s offensive philosophy often hinges on other players taking on significant playmaking duties, allowing Antetokounmpo to concentrate on his formidable scoring and finishing abilities. This division of labor contrasts sharply with the role he often embraces for his national team.
A key difference lies in the supporting cast’s ability to facilitate. In the Bucks’ current setup, particularly with players like Damian Lillard, who is projected to be the starting point guard, the emphasis tends to be more on scoring. Lillard, a creative shot-maker highly effective in the midrange, has shown improvements in passing but does not consistently operate as a primary facilitator in the mold of some international point guards.
Conversely, the Greek national team benefits from a roster that includes natural facilitators, even among its wing players. When Antetokounmpo receives the ball in the Greek system, he often finds himself in a position to conclude the play, rather than initiating and creating from scratch. With dedicated playmakers, Greece consistently has a point guard whose primary objective is to create scoring opportunities for others, thereby complementing Antetokounmpo’s strengths without burdening him with sole playmaking responsibilities.
This stark contrast suggests that the Milwaukee Bucks could indeed benefit from exploring and potentially adopting more varied offensive sets, drawing inspiration from Greece’s strategies. The very presence of Doc Rivers and Darvin Ham at the EuroBasket tournament indicates a proactive approach to finding innovative ways to optimize Antetokounmpo’s extraordinary talent. By making Giannis’s offensive workload more efficient and strategically distributed, the Bucks stand to significantly enhance their overall team performance and championship aspirations in the upcoming NBA season.
