Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was impressed with the playmaking ability of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had an outstanding preseason debut with the Florida team against the Toronto Raptors.
Antetokounmpo had seven assists in just 14 minutes of action in the Heat’s 129-105 victory, all of them for three-pointers.
“We knew he makes big plays. We’ve faced him three times in the playoffs,” Spoelstra said, according to statements reported by The Athletic. “But when you actually see him every day in training this week, you appreciate how brilliant a playmaker he can be.”
The coach especially highlighted the Greek’s combination of size, vision and precision in finding his teammates.
“For his size, his vision and his ability to put the ball in shooters’ hands, he’s really impressive,” Spoelstra added.
Antetokounmpo’s seven assists came after actions in which he attacked the defense and found open teammates against double-teaming. Andrew Wiggins was the main beneficiary, receiving four of those passes, all during the first half.
In addition to Wiggins, Giannis assisted Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell and Tim Hardaway Jr. on three-pointers.
The 31-year-old finished the game with nine points and showed a side as an organizer that he has been developing during his 13 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Before a subpar final season in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo had averaged 6.5 assists per game over the previous two seasons, along with 30.4 points and 11.7 rebounds.
The Heat will now return to Miami to play their next three preseason games. The first will be on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans, while it will close its exhibition schedule on October 16 against the Orlando Magic.
Giannis’ performance in his debut fuels expectations around his new stage in Miami and, especially, about the impact he can have as a creator with the ball in his hands.
