Antetokounmpo blossoms into playmaking All-Star for Bucks

MILWAUKEE - As Giannis Antetokounmpo read the defense at the top of the lane, towering over his defender, John Hammond couldn't help but think of another tall, dynamic ball-handler.

The Milwaukee Bucks general manager often resists making comparisons. But in that one moment, the way that the 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo handled the ball and surveyed the court reminded the longtime NBA executive of Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.

High praise, for sure, but Antetokounmpo is quickly developing his own unique reputation. The do-it-all franchise cornerstone has blossomed into an NBA All-Star nearly a year after becoming the primary ball-handler for the Bucks.

"You watch him handle it and see him looking over the top with that size. That's kind of what Magic did," Hammond said. "Magic laid on top with the ball, and one of his unique abilities was he was so much bigger and could...