The big game is not far away. Sin City is awake and all prepared for the NBA Cup final between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Likewise, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has a chance to add another silverware to his cabinet, and so far, he has been unstoppable in these Cup games. Also right before the final, a celebrated NBA legend provided him with some valuable advice.

After practice, the two-time MVP got a visit from Celtics great Kevin Garnett. The Big Ticket too much like Antetokounmpo was once regarded as one of the greatest forwards of his era. And a skill he has always wanted to see from the Bucks ace is the mastery of the mid-range. This season, Garnett is finally beginning to see the results of Antetokounmpo’s efforts.

He excitedly told Giannis Antetokounmpo, “I see you finally taking that mid-range”. KG spoke with pride having worked out with Antetokounmpo in the past. Maybe it was a point of emphasis, the implementation of which is finally happening. Still, Garnett wanted to make sure to also relay the message for the Greek Freak to stay authentic to his bruising style. “You keep doing your thing,” he said.

It wasn’t the only way that Kevin Garnett has tried to ignite Giannis Antetokounmpo. During a debate between Paul Pierce for the best player in the East, KG’s ranking dumbfounded many. “He’s probably like, what, the fourth-best in the East” he told his former teammate. With the dominance that Antetokounmpo has displayed this season, it seems as if Garnett’s take could have had some effect.

While it seemed to be an innocent observation, fans feel Antetokounmpo should take the words to heart.

Fans back Kevin Garnett’s advice to Giannis Antetokounmpo

It’s been an argument for the past few years. With how dominant Giannis Antetokounmpo is, there was just one weakness. He couldn’t shoot the ball with grat precision. But previously, that led to him forcing going downhill, drawing a number of offensive fouls as a result. However, that beginning to change this season.

And it’s not just Garnett who can see its utility. “Naw KG had hella post moves and great movement. Hit him up Giannis” one fan wrote. A transcending forward at his age, Kevin Garnett has previously worked with Antetokounmpo. The 30-year-old even had a funny tale about the same sharing “He was sweating more than me, I was the one working out”. 

Garnett’s intensity and wild energy may have helped Giannis Antetokounmpo grasp the major advantages of having the mid-range in his arsenal. “Giannis please listen to the mid-range king” another comment mentioned. It’s likely that Antetokounmpo has heard the whispers. He is converting 46% of his mid-range attempts, an 11% improvement from last season.

Naturally, the results are flattering. With an additional dimension in his game, Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging a career-high in points. Additionally, the Milwaukee Bucks have also seen their season turnaround, reaching the NBA Cup Final amidst the stretch. Yet, fans feel there is room for improvement, which could get Antetokounmpo to GOAT status.

“If Giannis had KG jumper and post-game he would be the greatest player ever” the sentiment arose. That’s been the conversation for a while. And while not fully honed yet, Giannis Antetokounmpo has compelled opponents to respect his jump shot inside the arc. Even without a three-pointer, the Greek Freak has demolished defenses.

It’s hard to picture a plan to stop him, especially in the NBA Cup where he is shooting 70% from the field. It also has fans imagining a dream matchup. “A matchup between these 2 in their primes woulda been something else” a fan mentioned. Both DPOYs and MVPs, Garnett and Antetokounmpo would be a battle of who cracks first rather than skill.

Sadly, it can’t be emulated. But at least Kevin Garnett could play a role in helping Giannis Antetokounmpo unlock various layers to his game.