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Spellbinding: Rookie Antetokounmpo a bright spot in Bucks' tough first half

Associated Press
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FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2013, file photo, Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, of Greece drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Shawne Williams defending during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles. Bucks won the game 94-79. The precocious 19-year-old rookie is providing an unexpected bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the Bucks. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2013, file photo, Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Giannis Antetokounmpo, left,, of Greece, shoots against Dallas Mavericks center DeJuan Blair (45) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas. The precocious 19-year-old rookie is providing an unexpected bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the Bucks. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File) (The Associated Press)

The Bucks' first-round draft pick this year is standing out for more than just his tricky name.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAHN-iss ah-deh-toh-KOON-boh) has been bright spot in the first half of what's otherwise been a tough season so far in Milwaukee.

The Bucks have the worst record in the NBA at 8-33. They've been beset by injuries, especially earlier in the season.

That's opened up more playing time for Antetokounmpo, the 19-year-old rookie from Greece. Through 36 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 7.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Coach Larry Drew especially likes how the 6-foot-9 forward adds a burst of energy on the court.

Drew says Antetokounmpo has a ways to go in his development, though he likes the progress he's made in his rookie year.