Is Giannis Antetokounmpo the NBA's Next Triple-Double Threat? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo the NBA's Next Triple-Double Threat?

The era of the "Greek Freak" is upon us.

76
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo the NBA's Next Triple-Double Threat?
NBA.com

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo on his way to becoming the next triple-double machine in the NBA?

He very well might be.

For starters, the "Greek Freak" is certainly getting paid like a few of the NBA’s other top-notch triple-double-prone players. During the 2016 NBA offseason, Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension. From a monetary standpoint, his new deal places him among guys such as James Harden and Russell Westbrook, both of whom signed contract extensions of their own during the offseason.

Harden and the Houston Rockets agreed to a four-year, $118 million contract extension in 2016. The bearded offensive phenomenon has posted multiple triple-doubles in each of the past couple of seasons. Harden’s four triple-doubles during the 2014-15 regular season were the second-most recorded for one player that year; he also finished second in NBA MVP voting that year as well. Harden continued recording triple-doubles during the 2015-16 regular season; he notched a total of three triple-doubles last year.

Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder agreed to a three-year, $85.7 million contract extension in 2016. Like Harden, the Thunder’s explosive floor general has also racked up multiple triple-doubles during the past two seasons. In fact, Westbrook has notched more triple-doubles than any other active player during that time span. Westbrook’s 11 triple-doubles during the 2014-15 regular season were the most recorded for one player that year. He followed that by finishing with a league-best 18 triple-doubles by the end of the 2015-16 regular season. Westbrook is a legitimate MVP candidate for the 2016-17 season.

Antetokounmpo was taken by the Bucks with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and has quickly developed into one of the most productive players in the league. He has, perhaps, become the best player in his draft class. He is a 6-foot-11, 222-pound athletic forward with point-guard capabilities and superstar potential. At just 21 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop even further. The sky’s the limit for this kid.

The "Greek Freak" finished with a total of five triple-doubles by the end of last season. He was moved from the forward position to the point-guard position after the 2016 All-Star break and continued to thrive there for the Bucks, displaying ball-handling skills and a court vision not often seen by a big man. His agility at the guard spot prompted Bucks head coach, Jason Kidd to announce that Antetokounmpo would be playing as the team’s point guard for the 2016-17 season.

Antetokounmpo’s five triple-doubles during the 2015-16 regular season were the fourth-most recorded for one player that year. Rajon Rondo finished in third place with six triple-doubles. Draymond Green finished in second place with 13 triple-doubles. The aforementioned Westbrook, of course, finished in first place with 18. John Wall rounds out the top five; he came in fifth place with four triple-doubles.

The 2016-17 NBA regular season is under way. The Bucks have newly acquired point guard Matthew Dellavedova to run the floor for them in the backcourt now. However, Dellavedova, as effective as he can be, is expected to just be a role player; Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, is becoming a star.

Antetokounmpo is expected to continue progressing toward his maximum potential as he enters his fourth NBA season. Are there more triple-doubles to come for the "Greek Freak"? Will he top the number of triple-doubles he notched a season ago? These questions will be answered soon enough. Stay tuned.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190610
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15120
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458024
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26714
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments