Antetokounmpo is coming to define a novel position — point center — with the Bucks. He brings the ball upcourt. He orchestrates for teammates. Opposing centers have no idea what to do with him. He is averaging 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 52.5 percent from the field, all career highs. He has developed in each of his four N.B.A. seasons.

At this stage, the most obvious hole in his game is his handiwork from beyond the 3-point line, where he is shooting a less-than-robust 23.1 percent this season. But he provides enough flashes to tantalize teammates and demoralize opponents.

“I think it’s reached the point where that breakthrough will probably happen in the next year,” Novak said. “We already see it at practice.”

Antetokounmpo said he wanted to have enough confidence to shoot without hesitation. He explained how difficult it can be for a tall player to move the ball from his hip area into the proper shooting position, a stretch of geography that Antetokounmpo described as “a long way.”

But when he was asked how close he was to becoming a consistent outside shooter, he left about an inch of space between his index finger and his thumb.

“This close,” he said. “I’m right there.”

Against the Nets, Antetokounmpo offered a preview of sorts. His first points came on a 3-pointer from the right corner. Trevor Booker, his defender, was a step late, and Antetokounmpo shot over the top of him. His release looked effortless. And for the rest of the game, Booker had no choice but to trail Antetokounmpo to the perimeter.