Grading Milwaukee Bucks players at season’s halfway point
Grading Bucks’ Bigs:
Giannis Antetokounmpo:
Giannis has been handling a massive offensive load for the Bucks: His usage percentage is a career-high and his minutes per game is the highest in the Budenholzer era. His raw stats have been amazing, but there are reasons for concern: His offensive touch has disappeared. His effective field goal percentage is his lowest since 2015-16, his shooting percentage at the rim is the lowest since 2017-18, his accuracy between 4-14 feet and overall mid-range the worst since his rookie year, and his three-point percentage is the second-worst of his career. Red flags!
Grade: B
Thanasis Antetokounmpo:
Antetokounmpo is a tremendous teammate and cheerleader on the bench. He knows why he’s in Milwaukee and plays his role to a tee. What else is there to say?
Grade: B
Sandro Mamukelashvili:
Mamukelashvili hasn’t gotten as many opportunities as he hoped following a strong offseason. Budenholzer strongly prefers playing three big men and those spots are locked in. He doesn’t have the size or athleticism to compete with NBA-quality bigs, and hasn’t shown enough playmaking or shooting to offset his weaknesses.
Grade: C-
Serge Ibaka:
Something is going on with Ibaka. He continues to miss games due to personal reasons following a long bout with sickness. Time will tell. He knew his role as the Bucks’ fourth big when he re-signed with the team in the summer. He’s only been a shadow of the shooter and defender he was in the prime of his career.
Grade: C-
Bobby Portis:
Portis continues to rack up double-doubles off the bench. His unselfishness to accept that role long-term is a huge asset to the Bucks. His three-point shooting has fallen off a cliff, but he’s compensating by knocking down career-high percentages from the mid-range and at the rim. The biggest bone I have to pick with him is his defense: Even when he’s trying his hardest (which he rarely has this season), he’s a limited defender. His lack of interest at that end of the floor has actively hurt Milwaukee this season.
Grade: B-
Brook Lopez:
Lopez has had one of his best seasons as a Buck. His defense is better than ever, and he’s one of the favorites to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. He protects the rim better than any other big in the Association. His three-point percentage has exploded, as he’s knocking down a career-high 39 percent, and is averaging 14 points a game–the highest since his time with the Nets.