Bucks GM Jon Horst Suggests Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Start at Point Guard in Stunning Shift for 2025-2026 Season

Bucks GM Jon Horst Suggests Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Start at Point Guard in Stunning Shift for 2025-2026 Season

Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst indicated that superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo might be the team’s starting point guard this coming season. In a league where positional labels have steadily faded and versatility has become currency, the idea of Giannis taking over as the team’s primary floor general isn’t just headline material — it’s a potentially seismic shift in how the Bucks approach their offensive identity. The thought of the 7-foot two-time MVP leading the break, initiating the halfcourt offense, and directing traffic on a full-time basis is bold, unorthodox, and entirely intriguing.

While this development may catch casual observers off guard, those who have followed Giannis’s career trajectory know this move is less radical than it seems. Since entering the NBA, Antetokounmpo has gradually evolved from an athletic project on the wing into one of the most complete and dominant players in basketball. His ability to handle the ball, drive coast-to-coast, and orchestrate offense has long been a core element of his game. He has led the Bucks in assists multiple seasons, often functioning as the team’s de facto point guard in critical moments.

What makes Horst’s comments particularly noteworthy now is the possibility that Giannis’s playmaking responsibilities are being made official — not just situational, but structural. With Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton on the roster, the Bucks certainly have experienced ball-handlers. But this proposed shift suggests a deeper philosophical change: Milwaukee is willing to fully embrace positionless basketball with Giannis at the helm.

Jon Horst didn’t mince words during his media availability when asked about the team’s direction. “Giannis has always been our initiator in some capacity,” Horst said. “But with the way our roster is evolving and how he sees the floor, we think there’s real value in leaning into that role even more. Don’t be surprised if he starts games running the offense, calling plays, and setting the tone as our lead guard.”

That one statement rippled through the basketball world. Could this really work? What are the risks and rewards? And what does this mean for the rest of the roster?

To understand the implications, it helps to first understand what Giannis as a point guard actually means. It’s not about squeezing him into a traditional mold of a Chris Paul or a Steve Nash. Instead, it’s about leveraging his size, vision, and tempo to bend defenses in new ways. Giannis, at his best, is a downhill force. He’s nearly unguardable in transition, and when he’s empowered to initiate offense from the top of the key, defenders are forced into uncomfortable decisions. Collapse too early, and he finds shooters. Stay home, and he barrels to the rim with ferocity.

From a tactical standpoint, the Bucks’ offense under new head coach Chris Quinn is expected to feature more movement, more early actions, and less static isolation. Quinn, a former assistant under Erik Spoelstra, brings with him a pedigree of fluid offensive schemes, where roles are more about function than label. In that system, Giannis at the point isn’t a gimmick — it’s a potential game-breaking innovation.

Imagine Giannis bringing the ball up the floor, with Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley spacing the wings, Middleton operating as a secondary creator, and Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis setting ghost screens or popping out for threes. That alignment forces defenses to stretch in unnatural ways. Giannis’s gravity opens up easier looks for others, and his decision-making, while not perfect, has improved dramatically over the years.

One reason this idea is gaining traction now is due to the team’s evolving needs. Lillard, while still an elite offensive threat, is more of a scoring guard than a pure playmaker. His best work comes off ball screens and pull-up threes, not setting up the offense for extended periods. By allowing Giannis to shoulder more of the creation duties, Lillard can focus on being the killer scorer he has always been, while also reducing wear and tear on his body — a critical factor as he moves into his mid-30s.

Khris Middleton’s role also benefits from this shift. As a tertiary playmaker, Middleton has long been valuable for his ability to create off closeouts and mismatches. With Giannis at the point, Middleton can slide into a more efficient role, working in the mid-post or as a spot-up threat instead of having to carry primary ball-handling duties when Lillard sits.

There’s also the psychological edge. Opposing teams aren’t used to seeing a 7-footer initiate the offense every trip down. It disrupts defensive matchups and rotations. Few point guards can handle Giannis’s physicality. Few bigs can keep up with his speed and agility at the top of the floor. Forcing teams to guard Giannis at the point is more than just about mismatches — it’s about exhausting the defense’s structure entirely.

Defensively, this positional tweak doesn’t change much. Giannis will still guard forwards and roam as a help defender, which is arguably where he’s most impactful. The Bucks will still rely on Brook Lopez to protect the rim and Bobby Portis to handle bruising post players. What this adjustment does, however, is challenge Giannis to take his communication, floor management, and turnover avoidance to the next level.

That’s the biggest question facing this experiment: can Giannis maintain ball security and decision-making discipline for an entire season as a point guard? While he has improved in those areas, he’s still prone to over-dribbling and occasional poor reads. Teams will undoubtedly test him with traps and complex defensive schemes. His ability to counter those tactics will determine how sustainable this approach is, especially in the playoffs.

Then there’s the development of younger players like MarJon Beauchamp and Marcus Bennett. Both wings are likely to benefit from playing alongside a point-Giannis system, where the ball moves through the hands of the team’s most trusted leader. Cuts become more valuable, hustle plays get rewarded, and open threes become more frequent. Giannis isn’t just a scorer in this setup — he becomes an engine that feeds everyone around him.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that taking Giannis further from the basket in halfcourt settings reduces his offensive efficiency. They worry that increased responsibilities will fatigue him over the course of a long season. Others wonder if it places too much emphasis on a style that only works in the regular season, where matchups are less intense and defensive preparation isn’t as targeted.

There’s also the matter of hierarchy. Will Lillard be content without the ball in his hands for long stretches? Will Middleton be able to stay healthy and productive without traditional offensive rhythm? Chemistry questions will inevitably arise, especially if the season starts slowly. But Horst and the Bucks seem willing to take that gamble.

The truth is, this idea of Giannis as point guard is not entirely new. We’ve seen flashes. We’ve seen closing lineups where he brings the ball up every possession. What’s different now is the commitment. Making it official sends a signal: the Bucks are willing to evolve, willing to disrupt conventional norms, and willing to let their franchise player redefine what a superstar can be.

And Giannis, for his part, appears ready to take on that challenge. In interviews this offseason, he’s spoken about leadership more than ever. He’s taken young players under his wing. He’s invested in understanding schemes, film, and tempo. If he’s going to be the point guard, he knows the responsibility goes beyond passing and assists. It’s about being the brain, the voice, and the soul of every possession.

As training camp approaches and the Bucks prepare to enter a pivotal season, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on how Giannis adjusts to his newest role. It’s a bet on his intelligence, his growth, and his unrelenting work ethic. It’s also a bold statement from the franchise that they’re willing to innovate, even in pursuit of something they’ve already achieved — a championship.

Whether this experiment transforms Milwaukee’s offense or creates new challenges, it will define how the Bucks are remembered in 2025-2026. In an era where the best teams adapt and redefine roles, Milwaukee may be ahead of the curve — with a 7-foot MVP as their point guard.

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