The Milwaukee Bucks had a quiet summer regarding national media coverage. It’s odd because they made some good moves like the signings of Brook Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova. Also, Giannis Antetokounmpo has gotten better every season of his NBA career. Perhaps not being in a major media market could have something to do with it?
Giannis is a player that I wanted to highlight in particular, and I believe that his MVP candidacy for the upcoming season is indeed worth mentioning. After all, let’s not forget the fact that he did indeed finish 6th in MVP voting last season behind James Harden, LeBron James, Anthony Davis Damian Lillard, and Russell Westbrook.
The individual production that Antetokounmpo had last season was simply incredible. He averaged 26.9 points (52.9% FG, 30.7% 3P, 76% FT), 10 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 3.0 turnovers. He led the Bucks in scoring, rebounding, and blocks while trailing only Eric Bledsoe in assists and steals. It’s truly valuable to be able to lead a team in so many categories at the level of excellence that Giannis does it.
There is real historical significance regarding the production that Giannis produced last season. The only players in NBA history to match his averages in points, rebounds and assists over the course of a full season include; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2x), Larry Bird, David Robinson, and Russell Westbrook. The list narrows to Abdul-Jabbar and Robinson when you factor in blocks.
The 23-year-old took the next step as a player last season to be knocking on the door of the MVP conversation and to be a starter in the NBA All-Star Game. The next step for him will be to win the NBA’s MVP Award or to at least work his way into the top three of MVP voting.
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