Giannis Antetokounmpo’s claims of being the only player for whom teams have created a specific defensive scheme have been backed by former Heat center Hassan Whiteside.
In an interview with Complex, Giannis made that statement after naming legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
“Only one player made other teams create walls for him, and it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo,” the Bucks star said. “So yes you’re witnessing greatness.”
ESPN’s NBA-centered Instagram page posted the video. Whiteside’s comment on the post stood out as the former Heat center confirmed Miami’s schemes to stop Giannis defensively.
“We did have Gannis rules on the Heat,” Whiteside wrote.
While Hassan Whiteside’s comments backed Giannis Antetokounmpo’s claims to a degree, it also opposed what the Bucks star was saying. The legendary Michael Jordan also faced a similar situation in his prime against the “Bad Boy Pistons.”
They created a “Jordan Rules” defensive scheme to limit the six-time NBA champion’s scoring. The Pistons physically challenged Jordan, double and triple-teaming him at times and forcing him left so that he takes a difficult shot instead of allowing him to attack the lane and finish at the rim.
Here’s what Pistons legend Isiah Thomas said about the “Jordan Rules” in April 2023:
“Jordan was a reluctant passer. He didn’t like to pass. He was the first volume shooter,” Thomas said during his appearance on All The Smoke podcast.
“He didn’t have great handles, couldn’t go left, and if he went left more than two, three times, he had to pick it up, so the rules are very simple.”
“We want that ball going in the air, and if that ball goes in the air, we’re quick enough to rotate and get back and match up,” added Thomas.
It worked well for the Pistons, as they beat Jordan’s Bulls in two consecutive playoffs before Chicago overcame the adversity in 1991.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains efficient despite the defensive walls
Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t been fazed by the defensive coverages thrown at him. His exquisite ability to finish at the rim in multiple ways has allowed him to remain efficient and effective. In the 2023-24 NBA season, Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on a career-high 61.1% shooting.
He also averaged 10.7 free throw attempts a game. Giannis does most of his damage in transition, but his halfcourt offense has improved, too, especially after Damian Lillard arrived in Milwaukee. Lillard’s gravity offered more space for Giannis to operate and attack lanes, which wasn’t the case before.
The Bucks haven’t had a point guard of Lillard’s caliber, making life easier for Giannis, especially against the defensive walls built to stop him.
