Tracy McGrady on Giannis Antetokounmpo: 'He would've struggled in my era' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AP - Scanpix, USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix | Basketnews collage Credit AP - Scanpix, USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix | Basketnews collage

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the world. With dominant performances on the menu almost every night, thoughts arise in the basketball community on whether he would be such a commanding presence in a different era.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

MIN:32.72PTS:29.45 (61.31%)REB:11.24As:6.04ST:0.98BL:1.39TO:3.31GM:49ProfileNBA2021/2022

Appearing on The Big Podcast with Shaquille O'Neal, NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady and the host Shaq began debating whether some of the top stars of today would still flourish in another time. McGrady made a point that Antetokounmpo might not have been such a dominant force during his era as he is now.

"I think he would have struggled because of how closed up the paint was back then," McGrady said at the 14:42 mark. "It was tough offensively because the defense was so great and the paint was closed up."

"If you can't shoot, it's going to be hard. And Giannis' game is predicated on coming downhill," McGrady continued. "He's developed a little jump shot now, but I think it would've been tough for him to be who he is today back then."

Antetokounmpo has been criticised his entire career for having a relatively poor three-point shooting percentage. He's shooting 29 percent from three-point range over his career, and nearly half (48.4 percent) of his field-goal attempts have come within three feet of the basket, per Basketball Reference.

The Greek Freak is one of several premiere MVP candidates this season, averaging 29.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6 assists during the match. Antetokounmpo will start in the NBA All-Star game for Team LeBron on Sunday.

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.