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Report predicts Giannis Antetokounmpo will be named MVP and earn All-NBA First Team honors
The outstanding play of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has largely gone unnoticed this season. Despite averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, more attention has been paid to the integration of Damian Lillard into the Bucks and the team's struggles to get going this season. However, Giannis' MVP candidacy cannot be denied, and CBS Sports' Sam Quinn goes as far as predicting the "Greek Freak" would win the trophy this season.
Beats out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
While Denver's Nikola Jokic and Dallas' Luka Doncic are legitimate contenders for the MVP plum, Gianis' biggest threat appears to be Oklahoma City's outstanding guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA).
"There aren't obvious holes to poke in his candidacy. He's an elite scorer posting elite efficiency while playing elite defense for an elite team. That's a lot of elites. Their scoring and assist numbers are virtually identical... except Gilgeous-Alexander is a primary ball-handler and Antetokounmpo is not," Quinn said.
The arrival of Doc Rivers has also boosted Milwaukee's once-porous defense, which bodes well for their chances of catching up to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Quinn notes that if the Bucks could pull that off, Giannis may very well end up as the league's MVP.
"Any fears that Damian Lillard would outshine Antetokounmpo in big moments and, therefore, hurt his candidacy now appear to have faded. There's a pathway here. Keep defending well. Earn the No. 2 seed," Quinn added.
First-Team All-NBA
CBS Sports' Brad Botkin has also penned in Giannis for one of the spots on the All-NBA First Team. As previously mentioned, Antetokounmpo's stellar showing this season has been overshadowed by all the drama involving changes in coaching and player personnel. However, despite the team's instability, Giannis has functioned as the team's rock and has continued to lead them through adversity.
"Somewhat lost in the drama of the Bucks' season is the fact that Giannis Antetokounmpo is having the best season of a career that already includes two MVPs. Career highs in scoring, assists, and shooting percentage. A top-flight defender with a relentless motor, and the most devastating transition force in the world. Leads the league in fourth-quarter scoring and has become a plus passer," Botkin wrote.
