The Milwaukee Bucks have quickly become one of the most exciting shows on the hardwood across the NBA. They boast supreme length and athleticism from nearly every position on the floor. The marriage between budding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and head coach Jason Kidd seems to be the perfect fit. Add that on top of the elevated play of forward Jabari Parker, and you have quite the formidable team in the Eastern Conference.
Antetokounmpo has enjoyed a break-out year, putting up eye-popping all around statistics as a lanky 6’11” stud that can play every basketball position known to man. However, before the 22 year-old became worthy of an all-star mention and considered an elite talent, there were growing pains as to be expected with every young raw talent that enters the league. When Kidd first became head coach, he moved his second-year prospect to the bench. Antetokounmpo, frustrated at the time, was completely unaware of the illustrious career his coach enjoyed during his playing days. Following from Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated:
The first time Kidd benched him, Antetokounmpo was irate. “I was like, ‘Let’s see what this guy did in his career, anyway,’?” Antetokounmpo recounts, and called up Kidd’s bio on his phone. “I saw Rookie of the Year, NBA championship, USA Olympic gold medal, second in assists, fifth in made threes, blah, blah, blah. I was like, ‘Jesus freaking Christ, how can I compete with that? I better zip it.’?”
Growing up a hoops head in the United States, there is no way for you not to be familiar with Jason Kidd. The point guard was prolific and is regarded as one of the premier talents the game has seen over the past two decades. He collected various different accolades throughout his tenure and could do it all as a floor general.
It was clear Antetonkounmpo was frustrated with the benching and didn’t respect the career Kidd had until he truly looked at the numbers. However, their “issues” seem to be in the past as Giannis and company are enjoying a memorable season as the Greek Freak continues to throw up gaudy numbers on a nightly basis leading to more wins for his squad.
