Kris Johnson Sees ‘Point Giannis’ Coming, Praises Turner Deal and Warns KPJ Must Stabilize
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Milwaukee Bucks analyst Kris Johnson, co-host of the Hear District podcast, expects head coach Doc Rivers to lean heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo as a primary ball-handler this season and believes the club’s headline additions fit an urgent “win-now” mandate.
More touches for Antetokounmpo
Johnson told Hoops Wire he anticipates a significant uptick in “point Giannis” minutes because Milwaukee’s current lead-guard options are Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony. Citing Antetokounmpo’s near triple-double averages over the final 14 games of 2023-24, Johnson projected the two-time MVP could reach eight to nine assists per game.
Myles Turner called a ‘shrewd’ pickup
The Bucks replaced injured Damian Lillard on their cap sheet by signing free-agent center Myles Turner. Johnson labeled the move “one of the shrewdest” by general manager Jon Horst, noting Turner is eight years younger than departed rim-protector Brook Lopez and offers more speed on both ends. He added that Turner’s mobility should allow Antetokounmpo to continue roaming defensively as a “free safety.”
Porter Jr. must curb lows, boost defense
Milwaukee re-signed Porter to a new deal despite what Johnson called an “up-and-down” career. The guard’s best stretch came during the Bucks’ final 10 games, when a lineup featuring Porter, Gary Trent Jr. and A.J. Green posted one of the club’s top plus-minuses. Johnson praised Porter’s on-court chemistry with Antetokounmpo but emphasized the 24-year-old must “minimize the lows” by committing to defense and maintaining mental consistency.
Cole Anthony seen as reliable scoring punch
Anthony, acquired as an unrestricted free agent, was described by Johnson as “probably as sure a bet” in Milwaukee’s guard room. The 24-year-old former lottery pick can “get you 30 in a hurry,” a trait Johnson considers vital with Lillard sidelined.
Little room for patience
While recent Bucks teams have preached gradual integration, Johnson argued the franchise no longer has that luxury. With Antetokounmpo in his prime—fresh off guiding Greece to bronze at EuroBasket—and major offseason moves completed, Johnson said “there’s a lot of pressure” on Rivers and the front office to contend immediately. He expects Milwaukee to “hit the ground running” once training camp opens.
Source: Hoops Wire
