Giannis Antetokounmpo Took So Painstakingly Long at Free-Throw Line That Cavaliers Player Started Counting

Max Strus was over it.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has carefully created a meticulous plan at the free-throw line, an area of his game that he was much maligned for earlier in his career. 

Part of Antetokounmpo's plan is, unfortunately, to take his sweet time at the charity stripe, where players are only afforded 10 seconds to attempt the free throw once they have received the ball, according to the NBA's official rule book. 

Antetokounmpo was at it again on Friday night in the second quarter of the Bucks’ 112–100 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, as he took an extended period of time to take a deep breath and compose himself at the line. 

Cavaliers guard Max Strus was over it.

Once Antetokounmpo received the ball, Strus began counting the seconds on his hands in an amusing video shared by Jordan Firm of The Sporting News. 

here’s video of Strus counting seconds with Giannis at the line. so good pic.twitter.com/hFwhtD5C9n

— Jordan Zirm (@JordanZirm) January 27, 2024

Strus might want to consider a career as an NBA referee once he's done playing, as he's upholding the rule book perfectly. 

As for Antetokounmpo, it’s not the first time his lengthy free throw routine has been an issue, as he has been called for a 10-second violation multiple times during the past few seasons. 

However, Antetokounmpo’s method is unlikely to change, unless the officials crack down on the 10-second rule more frequently.