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NBA: Ranking the top 5 future beasts of the East

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 5, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is congratulated after scoring the game winning basket at the buzzer against New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Bucks won 105-104. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Before this breakout 2016-17 season that has “Most Improved Player of the Year” written all over it, Giannis Antetokounmpo might have ranked second behind Kristaps Porzingis on a list like this.

But seemingly overnight, we’ve gone from “Giannis is going to be good” to “Giannis is going to make the All-Star team this year” to “Holy s**t, Giannis is going to own the Eastern Conference for years to come.”

Despite not having Khris Middleton for a single game so far this season, the Milwaukee Bucks have overachieved with their 18-17 record — good for sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. The reason? At only 22 years old, the Greek Freak has become an absolute two-way terror.

With his all-encompassing arms, lanky frame, deceptive quickness and unearthly strides, Antetokounmpo is a nightmare to cover on offense and an even bigger challenge on defense. As he continues to refine his perimeter jump shot, the rest of the league should be VERY concerned about the day he learns how to consistently knock down three-pointers.

That’s really the only weak area of his game right now, which shouldn’t come as a surprise for the guy who’s leading Milwaukee in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks AND steals.

In fact, if Giannis can keep up his current stat line of 24.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.9 steals per game, he’d be the only player in NBA history to average such a stat line. AT AGE 22.

Next: NBA: 2000s All-Decade First Team

From his sky high dunks to his highlight reel blocks to his rebounding and passing, Giannis is the point forward of the future. With Middleton, Jabari Parker and Malcolm Brogdon looking like promising youngsters as well, it may not be long before the Giannis-led Bucks are a serious problem in the East.

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