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ESPN names Giannis Antetokounmpo as the No. 1 player in the NBA

Giannis takes the top spot for yet another year.
Jonas Panerio|
© Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has nabbed the top spot in ESPN's player rankings for the second straight year, besting reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. After another spectacular season wherein he averaged over 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists while shooting over 50 percent from the field, Giannis remains the most dominant player in the league.

New-look Bucks

While Giannis will likely be his usual unstoppable self, one wrinkle in his game this season will be the addition of seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard. The Bucks acquired Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal that dealt away Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen. While the "Greek Freak" has had numerous outstanding teammates in the past, this marks the first time he'll team up with a bona fide superstar.

"For the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo will get to play alongside another superstar after Milwaukee pulled off a blockbuster to acquire Damian Lillard. Could playing next to a Hall of Fame point guard open up the floor even more for Antetokounmpo?" ESPN's Jamal Collier wrote.

Keep Giannis fresher

Lillard's presence may impact Giannis' numbers in the regular season as the duo navigates this new venture. Antetokounpo, though, has already publicly stated he's more than willing to defer to Lillard and take on a secondary role offensively. But with the postseason in mind, having Lillard alongside should help keep The Greek Freak fresher for longer as the Bucks look to make another deep playoff run.

"This will be the first time in both of these stars' careers they have played next to another superstar, and there will be a learning curve. Antetokounmpo has already spoken during training camp about deferring to his new teammate in an effort to make Lillard's transition smoother. Shouldering less of a workload during the season could keep Antetokounmpo fresher for the playoffs," Collier said.

While there are many questions regarding this new superstar pairing, there's no denying its potential for greatness.

"Lillard could open up easier opportunities for Antetokounmpo, creating a duo so dangerous it could rival the Lakers' legendary one-two punch of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal."

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO