Jan 6, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defends during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo sees Scottie Barnes as a model for the modern forward.
The Milwaukee Bucks superstar mentioned the Raptors’ third-year forward in the same breath as LeBron James, Pascal Siakam, and Paolo Banchero while reflecting on his own growth into a full-time playmaker and point forward. He called it the final stage of his evolution as he continues to develop into a multidimensional offensive weapon.
“I always believed there are phases, and I always felt like that would be my last phase, as a guy that can playmake, and can set up a team, and be a legit point forward out there,” Antetokounmpo told reporters Thursday night. “You see a lot of people playing that way right now from Siakam, from Pablo, Scottie Barnes. You see a lot of people that can handle the ball and put their teammates in the right place and playmake and make the team better.”
It’s a role Antetokounmpo may be asked to embrace even more next season if he remains with the Bucks, with Damian Lillard expected to miss the entire year due to a torn Achilles. Antetokounmpo already averaged 6.5 assists per game this season, one of the highest marks of his career.
Barnes, meanwhile, continues to solidify his place among the league’s most dynamic playmaking forwards. Since winning Rookie of the Year in 2021, he has steadily expanded his offensive role. This season, he was one of just six qualified players to average at least 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists per game, joining Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, and Domantas Sabonis.
That role has grown in Toronto, where Barnes often operated as the team’s lead ball-handler and primary initiator. The Raptors handed him the reins of the offense this past season, and he embraced the responsibility.
“I love to pass to be honest, it’s what I’ve always done, so I love playing with people that really know how to score the ball,” Barnes said during his season-ending availability.
The comment comes as questions are swirling about Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee, with the Bucks facing a depleted roster next season and speculation building about his potential availability this summer. The Raptors have already surfaced as a possible landing spot, given the organization’s longstanding interest in bringing the Greek superstar to Toronto.
