Bucks Zone

Should Giannis Antetokounmpo's shooting slump concern the Milwaukee Bucks?

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been struggling from outside the paint.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee Bucks

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing some of the best basketball of his career. He is currently second in the NBA in scoring(32.6), and his team has the best record in the NBA. However, advanced stats suggest that there is one major concern in Giannis's game -- his jump shot.

Giannis is shooting 26% from the midrange

Giannis has been shooting 55% overall from the floor, but most shots have come from inside the restricted area. He has been spectacular in the paint, shooting an absurd 77% from that range, using his size and athleticism to force his way to the rim.

But the problem lies outside the restricted area. He is shooting a measly 26.7% from midrange. This has been a massive drop since last year when he shot 40% from that range. This trend is concerning for the Bucks, as Giannis has made huge progress regarding his touch outside the paint in the last two years. But this season has gone the opposite way.

The arrival of Middleton may ease the pressure

Giannis may be shooting less than 30% from outside the paint, but that might not be for long. His fellow All-Star Khris Middleton is set to return soon, which will ease the pressure on the 'Greek Freak.'

Middleton is an excellent shooter who can stretch the floor even more for Giannis. He is also an underrated passer whose playmaking should provide Antetokounmpo with easier looks.

We may see an even better version of Giannis with Middleton back in the lineup. But the early season stats indicate that Antetokounmpo is having a tough time shooting the ball. However, knowing Giannis and his mentality, he will make it work and get back on track. When that happens, the Bucks will be even more dominant.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.