Dallas Mavericks: Kostas Antetokounmpo bringing the defense in G-League

Dallas Mavericks second-round draft pick Kostas Antetokounmpo is fresh off a six-block game to punctuate his standout defense in the G-League.

The Dallas Mavericks made two draft night trades in 2018.  The move fans remember is the swap netting Dallas star rookie Luka Doncic, but they also traded one late second-round pick to receive two from the Philadelphia 76ers.  The Mavs drafted Ray Spalding and Kostas Antetokounmpo.  Both men are currently playing in the G-League with the Mavericks affiliate, the Texas Legends.

The Legends have a lot of talented players this season, and Antetokounmpo is standing out.  Primarily known as Giannis’ brother at this point, Kostas is making his presence known on the defensive end of the floor.

Six block evening

Below is a Tweet showing off Kostas’ impressive six block game against the Maine Red Claws on Nov. 24 courtesy of the Legends official Twitter.

That is just one night, though.  Let us take a look at what Kostas has done for the Legends in their first nine games.

His season so far

The 23-year-old Antetokounmpo has started all nine games this year.  He is averaging 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 2.6 turnovers in 28.0 minutes with an impressive 2.0 steals and 1.9 blocks per game.  Kostas continues to prove that his length and wingspan are going to make it difficult on the opposition.

His offensive game is a work in progress, though.  Antetokounmpo is shooting 49.3 percent from the field but hits just 61.1 percent of his free throws.  He is not a jump shooter at this time and lacks playmaking ability.  Kostas is predominately a cut to the basket and dunk player at this stage.

Antetokounmpo’s NBA outlook has him as a defensive stopper off the bench.  He will always see his minutes limited unless there are improvements in his offensive game.  Continue to monitor his progress this season with the Legends.

Final thoughts

Kostas Antetokounmpo is standing out defensively for the Texas Legends.  He is on a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks.  It will be interesting to see if plays for Dallas at all this season.  Kostas has started exclusively at power forward which is a crowded spot for the Mavericks.

Fans should root for the Texas Legends this season.  They have won five of their first nine games, and look to have the talent to make a playoff run.  Keep an eye out for how they are performing as the year progresses because The Smoking Cuban will be offering periodic updates.