The Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff have gone to the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 to watch Giannis Antetokounmpo play for Greece’s men’s national team in what’s a well-hyped tournament. Doc Rivers and Darvin Ham in particular were on the stands for the win against Italy. After the game, they talked with reporters about how they like what they see from Giannis in international play.
Bucks Need To Copy Greece’s Keys For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo finished the game with 31 points (on 14-20 shooting from the field), along with seven rebounds and two assists. If anyone who had ever seen the Bucks play was watching though, they saw another version of the Greek Freak. Asked whether he noticed the difference between Milwaukee and Greece’s gameplan, Ham answered:
“Absolutely. It’s more team-oriented. More sets and all of that. Here is different. They don’t play as fast as we do in the NBA. But in the NBA, his usage rate is off the charts. It is a little bit of a different role here. He does a great job of including his teammates. I can’t stress that enough. He does a great job of including his teammates, allowing things to happen and take place. With us, he has to be Superman. But it is good. It’s good to see him be able to do both.”
Darvin Ham says the Greek national team runs more sets than the Bucks, and Giannis has to play more of a Superman role with Milwaukee
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Antetokounmpo can certainly play whatever the coaches ask of him. Last season, when Damian Lillard was injured, we saw him take more of the playmaking duties. In fact, he himself believes he excels in that role. But the question is whether that is sustainable, or can the Bucks copy some of the sets the Greeks run?
Can the Bucks run more Sets?
The problem the Bucks have is that they lack playmakers.
Yes, Antetokounmpo can create for others and do it well, but that’s not his primary role. Cole Anthony, projected to be the starting point guard next season, is far more of a scorer. A creative shot-maker, he’s most effective in the midrange. He’s shown some improvement as a passer but it’s nothing like the Greek national team.
Even the Greeks wings can create plays for others. When Antetokounmpo gets the ball, he more often than not finishes the play, instead of starting and creating. With facilitators like Kostas Sloukas and Vassilis Toliopoulos, Greece has a point guard who looks to create for others all the time.
The Bucks can surely try to run more sets and maybe that is the reason why Rivers and Ham are watching the Greeks compete. So long as they find a way to make Antetokounmpo’s job easier, the Bucks will benefit.
The Last Word On The Greek Blueprint
Rivers and Ham should stay and watch more games that the Greek national team plays.
In some ways it’s expected of due to his overwhelming offense. Nevertheless, the Bucks’ offense can become too dependent on Antetokounmpo. With Lillard now out of town, they have even fewer ways to take weight off of his shoulders. Yet, a more team-oriented offensive philosophy and expanded passing role for Antetokounmpo could reduce wear-and-tear on their franchise player. Just as importantly, with more advanced playmaking, they’ll become less predictable and open up new dimensions for their offense.
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