Adjusting expectations for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks and their blossoming superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo have defied doubters as they find themselves squarely in the playoff picture at the halfway point of the season.

When leading scorer Khris Middleton went down with a torn hamstring in the preseason, it looked as if this season was over before it started. Coming off a disappointing 33 wins in 2015-16, even the staunchest #OwnTheFuture supporters weren’t talking playoffs. However, Antetokounmpo and wingman Jabari Parker have made giant strides in their games and completely transformed expectations individually and for the franchise.

Both players are leading candidates for the Most Improved Player award, and not just in the tradition of guys who see their numbers improve commensurate with an increase in playing time. Antetokounmpo is playing fewer minutes than last year but has increased his scoring by a staggering 6.5 points per game. His rebounds, assists, blocks, steals and shooting percentages have also increased. Meanwhile, Parker has made a leap of his own, raising his scoring to over 20 points per game while shooting over 40 percent on 3-point attempts.

Read More: The Knicks have lots of problems, again

So what should the new expectations be for Antetokounmpo and this Milwaukee squad? Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch), host of the Timeout with Ti podcast and a co-site expert at Behind the Buck Pass, joins Fastbreak Breakfast to help answer this question. Also covered:

• What’s the best way to deal with highlight truthers crying “travel!” on Antetokounmpo dunks?
• Has Greg Monroe made himself indispensable to the organization?
• Can Malcolm Brogdon maintain his strong play?
• How has Milwaukee become a top-10 offensive team?
• What would a healthy Middleton add?

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