NBA Rumors: Gary Payton to ‘advise’ Giannis Antetokounmpo

Mar 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Washington Wizards at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Washington won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Washington Wizards at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Washington won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Earlier in the summer, Gary Payton expressed a huge interest in coaching in the NBA. While this isn’t exactly that, he’s growing an inch closer as Jason Kidd, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, has assigned Payton as ‘special advisor’ for 2013 first-round pick Giannis Antetokounmpo.

From BrewHoop.com:

"Jason Kidd had a vision going to Milwaukee: to see Giannis Antetokounmpo running the point for the Bucks from the “1” position. The new coach of the “Bucks” is not only determined to implement this idea, but will have the help of one of the top point guards of the 90s in this effort: Gary Payton."

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Kidd pushing for Giannis to run some point guard isn’t new revelation, but after the Summer League where the sophomore forward played a lot of minutes as lead guard, that idea has become a reality. And Payton is an excellent advisor to set in place to guide him.

Through his career, Payton was known as a tenacious defender and solid playmaker. Averaging 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds for his career, Payton made a name for himself as a tenacious defender, being one of the best point guards in NBA history.

If Kidd sees the proper progress from Giannis, this advisor role could translate into an assistant coaching role for Gary Payton next season–if not in Milwaukee then somewhere else in the league as point guards have become the new premium for franchises lately.

During his rookie season, Giannis averaged 6.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

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