Reporting from Milwaukee: Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Eurohoops met up with Jason Kidd shortly before the Bucks’ mission flies to Boston for the game against the Celtics. The NBA legend, one of the most important point guards of all-time in the league, spoke to us exclusively and, as you’re about to read, he didn’t hesitate to glorify Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With analysis and expressions that someone with such experience in basketball doesn’t use easily if he’s not 100% certain. Jason Kidd explains the reason he has decided to give the ball to the Greek player more, he says he’s very satisfied with the way the Greek Freak works and, as he makes clear with no hesitation, the sky’s the limit for Giannis.
Like him? There’s no else on the planet!
– Coach, we’re at the Bucks’ practice facility in order to talk about Giannis. We would like to know about his character off the court, about the things you see every day that people have no way of knowing and whether you’re satisfied with the level of his work ethic.
“Giannis is growing up. He’s 21 years old and his game gets better every time he steps on the court. He’s a great young player and he works very, very hard. He does exactly what he’s supposed to be doing on the court, but also off the court. We couldn’t be happier that we have Giannis on our team. He makes the game easy for his teammates. He can pass the ball well, he can set up plays, he can cover spaces defensively, help out his teammates, produce blocks, steals, and also rebound and drive the team towards the offense. You can see that Giannis has the whole package and he has now begun to understand how to play the game at a very high level.”
– Does he have the determination and dedication that is required at this level in order to help his team – aside from himself – grow and become better?
“He gets better all the time, he has a wide range of skills and he’s very determined. His work ethic is of a very high order. He wants to be good, he really wants to become great. His work is redeemed over time, because now he’s playing at a very high level.”
– In the last two games against Atlanta and the Lakers we saw him with the ball in his hands for longer periods of time, “running” the offense, constantly creating for his teammates. Is that something you’d like to see every night on the court on his part?
“Yes. After the break in the championship, we wanted to see him having the ball in his hands more and to see how he responded. He facilitates for his teammates, makes our offense function properly. He’s not at all selfish. He distributes the ball, helps us have more movement and makes us faster in the way we use our possessions in offense. He’s a good ball handler and at 2m.11 he can pass like a playmaker, and, at the same time, he can finish plays! He functions well in the paint. He’s so long, attacks the basket properly… We trust Giannis. Lately, he’s been playing great.”
– In the end, what’s the position that suits him best? I think that’s not an easy question!
(Smiles). “Giannis is just a kid that plays basketball. He can play in any position, something that, for me as a coach, makes the game, and things in general, much easier. For him, it’s all about constantly improving his abilities. Shooting the ball, getting more playing time, being in a position to understand the different situations that come up every time in the game. I believe that the sky’s the limit for him.”
– You’ve carved an amazing path as an NBA player, you’ve been involved in basketball for many years now, so we’re talking to the right person to tell us when Giannis can start reaching his peak as a player.
“Giannis is going to become one of those guys that can do everything. Like Scottie Pippen, or Dirk Nowitzki. That can shoot with great success. At the same time, he’ll always be able to spot the open player, to play good defense. It’s a way of playing that always brings you close to triple doubles. We’re expecting him to become a player who will consistently produce an average of more than 12 points, will get 7 rebounds and we’re hoping that he’s going to have more than 7 assists. When we’re talking about these kinds of numbers on a regular basis, these place you among the best in the world…”
– You’ve been a big part of the NBA all these past years, an opponent and a teammate of so many great players. Is there someone Giannis reminds you of, someone with similar characteristics and style of game?
“You know, everyone tries to discover who Giannis resembles! Scottie Pippen could be one. However, Giannis is 2m.11 tall and can put the ball on the court, he can post, he’s going to be able to score three-pointers, he already has a great mid-range shot. He’ll simply be Giannis! There’s no else on the planet like him.”
– Last season the Milwaukee Bucks managed to get in the Playoffs. Right now you’re out of the race and it seems difficult for you to make it, even though nothing has been decided yet. There is a body of great young players, the new arena is in the works, the organization in general looks like it’s building something great with an eye to the future. When are the Bucks going to be ready, initially, to compete for the title in the East?
“We’re at a point where our effort is climaxing and we still feel like we have a chance of getting in the Playoffs. With Giannis and Jabari playing at the level they’re at right now I believe that we can make it in the end. But even if it doesn’t happen we have to keep trying to become better. To be aware of the situation that we have in front of us. We’re the youngest team in the league and so we still have a lot to learn. We train very hard and, for now, we’re only thinking of how we’re going to make it in time for the Playoffs.”