Last week, Hall-of-Famer and current analyst for NBA on Prime Video, Dirk Nowitzki, spent some time during a broadcast detailing the differences he’s observed in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shooting, pinpointing that element of his game as something that the league may have to fear as the season continues.

“[Antetokounmpo] feels more comfortable I think shooting the ball now, which is scary for the opponents,” Nowitzki said. 

Nowitzki also praised Antetokounmpo’s overall game, talking about the two-time MVP’s offseason pursuits in EuroBasket this summer, as well as his start the 2025-26 season.

“[Antetokounmpo’s] playing an all-around game,” Nowitzki said. “He’s still obviously attacking with the best of them. To me he’s showing he’s the best player in the East. He’s making plays for himself in transition like always, he’s worked a little bit on his [midrange]. I heard he put in a lot of work this summer, he played well in the Euros. You saw that 3, it’s looking a little smoother.”

Antetokounmpo is averaging 33.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game in 10 games this season. He’s only taken 16 3-pointers so far, but he has shot 50% from the arc, coupled with shooting at a 62.9% overall clip from the field. 

The Bucks began the season 4-1, but have endured a topsy-turvy stretch over the last two weeks, and now sit at 7-5. 

Milwaukee has shown it has the tools to win games, and when things have clicked for the team, the Bucks have been successful. Players beyond just Antetokounmpo have come alive so far this season, some of whom have taken on starting roles as Milwaukee has had to deal with some injuries.

Ryan Rollins and AJ Green especially have had solid starts to the season in dealing with the absence of Kevin Porter Jr. and now Taurean Prince. And a new Bucks player in Myles Turner, whom Nowitzki mentioned as a strong addition for the franchise during that Nov. 7 broadcast, appears to have settled into his groove now that he has 12 games with Milwaukee under his belt. 

“Gives [the Bucks] a big that can spread the floor and shoot,” Nowitzki said. “[Turner] didn’t start the season off well…I think he’s obviously going to get more comfortable in the new system with the new players.” 

The Bucks play the Charlotte Hornets at 8 p.m. EST on Nov. 14, where they will look to move to 8-5 before facing the Los Angeles Lakers the following day.