Giannis Antetokounmpo will be once again fighting for the title when the NBA returns later this season, but he will have to do so knowing there won't be a home-court advantage like the one his Milwaukee Bucks enjoyed last season.
The resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season will put all 22 teams invited at a neutral site with no fans or rowdy crowds to serve as home-court advantage. However, there is one thing Giannis would take in exchange of four home games per series:
“An extra foul would help me,” Antetokounmpo joked, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
Antetokounmpo might be getting a bit greedy here, as he's going to the foul line a career-best 10 times per game. Though unfortunately for him, that hasn't translated into more points — at least not directly.
The Greek Freak is converting at a career-low 63.3% from the free-throw line and he made more free throws per game in both of his prior seasons, even as he attempted less.
One more foul per game might give him one or two more attempts per game, but that is all for naught unless he can make defenses pay by converting at a higher rate.
Antetokounmpo does anticipate some rust, however, whether it is missing shots or some careless turnovers:
“Guys are going to be rusty,” the Bucks star said. “You're going to see guys throwing the ball into the stands, turnovers. I think as guys get more comfortable, the level of basketball will get better each game.”
As long as Antetokounmpo can get to the line (and convert) when it counts, he should be just fine if he keeps his usual aggressive mindset once the season returns.
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