NBA Draft: Why OKC Thunder should pick the baby freak Kostas Antetokounmpo
By Alex Mcewen
Skills: ball-handling
Big men who are unafraid to handle the ball fit the current NBA game. Kostas displays his ball handling skills in the clip below. Kostas stole the ball and drove all the way to the rack. The sequence is typical for a guard, not as much for a 6′10″ power forward.
One reason the OKC Thunder had the Orlando Magic select Domantas Sabonis was for his playmaking skills. Kostas could provide some of that same playmaking and ball-handling skills.
Shot blocking prowess
The OKC Thunder know first hand the value a generational shot blocker can bring. Serge Ibaka manned the paint for many years in Oklahoma City and was a perennial candidate to lead the league in blocks. Those days are long gone. This past season in the first round of the playoffs the Thunder went against the new perennial block leader in Rudy Gobert.
Gobert’s impact on the series was immeasurable and further demonstrated how OKC lacks their own shot blocker. Therefore, Kostas’ shot blocking would be a welcome sight in Oklahoma City. In the above clip, Kostas reads the play well follows the offensive player into the paint and blocks what would have been a layup.
The value that a shot blocker brings extends beyond actually blocking shots. If their shot-blocking prowess is truly elite their mere presence will alter shots. It’s unclear how well Kostas Antetokounmpo will block shots in the NBA, but he has the capability to excel in that area.
Kostas Antetokounmpo had an impressive showing at his Pro Day in LA, showing NBA teams he's more than just Giannis' little brother. Eye opening footage and a one on one interview with the Greek national team player. https://t.co/owmpMYdUQP
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 18, 2018
Weaknesses: screening must improve
The screen Kostas Antetokounmpo sets in the below video is unacceptable. He appears lost and somewhat afraid of the contact brought on by a screen.
The art of setting a good hard screen is dying in today’s NBA, however, screen setting is still a vital action in NBA offenses. Furthermore, given his size and athleticism, Kostas has no reason to set such a poor screen.
In order for Kostas to maximize his time in the pros improving his screen setting should be near the top of his list.
Defense needs improvement
Kostas is a very skilled shot blocker, however, his overall defensive game needs improvements. Kostas has a tendency to get lost on defense and does not always compete 100 percent on the defensive end. Both attributes factor into why Kostas is projected to go low in the NBA draft.
With the right situation and player development, Kostas could improve on the defensive end. Given the fact he naturally has a knack for blocking shots. Yet, how much Kostas improves is ultimately in his own hands.