While Bobby Portis is still there at Brook Lopez’s relay, and his brother Robin has arrived, the Bucks are taking advantage of the preseason to test Giannis Antetokounmpo at the pivot position. With Damian Lillard in charge, the “Greek Freak” plays his ball more, and the idea is to place him in the low post so that he dominates his opponents, but also serves as a fixation point.
“It’s preseason, and we’re doing our best. I can play post 3, 4, or 5, and I can get the ball to the low post.” explains the Milwaukee power forward, who took a few lessons with Hakeem Olajuwon. “Since it’s preseason, we can make mistakes, try things, see what works and what doesn’t. I think I can play in the five position, even though it’s not my natural position. Sometimes it’s difficult to be near the basket all the time instead of creating situations. But sometimes you have to do things that help the team. I participated in important matches as a pivot, and I also played in this position in friendly matches.”
“I don’t know what I look like, but I’m rusty”
If the Bucks place Giannis in the low post, it may also be because he is not 100%, and he cannot rely on his usual speed. Having undergone knee surgery this summer, he admits that he has not yet fully recovered.
“I don’t know what I look like, but I’m rusty. Heavy. The last time I played in the playoffs with the Heat, I wasn’t healthy.” he recalls. “I had surgery over the summer and couldn’t train the whole offseason. Three weeks ago I received the medical all clear and only two weeks ago I was allowed to start running. »
In search of sensations
Clearly, this preseason helps him find a decent level, and above all good sensations. “I don’t judge my match on the points I score, but on the way I feel, the way I create for my teammates, the way I move in defense. For the moment, I’m not at the level I would like, but we still have a pre-season match to play on Friday. As the year goes on, I will have the opportunity to improve with each game and I will improve, hopefully helping my team be successful. »
Aware that it will take time to “ little by little find your rhythm“, he warns that whatever happens, we will see him near the circle again this season. “In the future, I will play more as a center. I did it when we didn’t have Lopez and Portis. When they are not there, it becomes more difficult, but we have found solutions, and we will continue to find them. »
