Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Becoming 'Real Point Guard,' Says GM

The Milwaukee Bucks are actively working to retain superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who indicated openness to leaving. As part of these efforts, the team bolstered its roster this offseason, notably signing center Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million contract.

Bucks General Manager Jon Horst praised Antetokounmpo's significant development into a "point forward" role. Horst highlighted Giannis's elite ability to generate three-point shots for teammates, his improved decision-making, and reduced turnovers, stating he is becoming a true point forward. Horst explained that this role leverages the team's historical success with point guards who can shoot and defend, allowing Giannis to create scoring opportunities for others while also scoring himself.

Horst believes this shift enables the Bucks to return to a highly successful style of play, featuring Antetokounmpo surrounded by shooters and ball movers, forcing opponents into difficult choices: stop him and he passes, or don't and he scores. Antetokounmpo began excelling in this point forward role during the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Pacers, exemplified by a 30-point, 13-assist performance in Game 5. He expressed his intention to continue in this role moving forward.

With Antetokounmpo embracing this evolved role and key Eastern Conference rivals like the Pacers and Celtics facing seasons without their own superstars, the Bucks are positioned to dominate the conference. Milwaukee's 2025-26 season is seen as starting strongly due to these factors.