Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 17
Analyst Says Giannis Could Lift Celtics 3-Point Volume, Not Fix Roster Gaps
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 17

Analyst Says Giannis Could Lift Celtics 3-Point Volume, Not Fix Roster Gaps

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 17

Summary

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo would not force Boston to abandon its three-point-heavy offense in a hypothetical Jaylen Brown swap, according to a Celtics analyst who argued Joe Mazzulla’s system could even lean harder into shooting.
  • 2,325 career assisted threes and 209 to 290 created threes in each of the past two seasons underpin that case, with Antetokounmpo’s drives drawing help and opening kick-out passes rather than shrinking perimeter volume.
  • A bigger issue is lineup fit: Boston can tolerate one non-shooter, but pairing Antetokounmpo with center Neemias Queta could clog driving lanes unless Brad Stevens adds a floor-spacing big.
  • Brown’s spacing and Boston’s bench needs would still matter after any deal, the analysis said, leaving Stevens to use the mid-level exception to chase a third scorer and second-unit punch.

Insights

Beyond star power, what does this failed super-trade reveal about building a title contender in the modern NBA?
Would Giannis have been 'gasoline' for Boston's offense, or would his inside game have clogged their championship engine?
How did the NBA's punishing salary cap ultimately stop the blockbuster Giannis-to-Boston trade from happening?