Why Giannis is Already a Top-20 Player Ever
The Greek Freak has already established himself as one of the best to ever play the game, here’s why
Ben Bosscher
At just 27 years old, Giannis Antetokounmpo has already established himself as one of the most dominating forces the NBA has ever seen. The two time MVP, 1 time defensive player of the year, 1 time most improved player, and reigning Finals MVP is currently climbing the mountain once again in hope to bring Milwaukee its second title in back-back years. Fresh off of a 42 point victory performance against the best defensive team in the league, The Boston Celtics, it truly is time to ask ourselves, is Giannis one of the best 20 players to ever lace them up?
I know what you’re thinking. “Woah now, settle down. He’s got a long way to go in his career before we start saying anything like that.” But why? Giannis is still in the early stages of his prime (I usually like to think of players primes typically between 27–31), and has already filled his name with incredible accolades very few players have accomplished. Only Giannis, MJ, and Hakeem have earned an MVP, Finals MVP, and a DPOY (Reminder number 1 that he is only 27). Are those not both top-20 players ever? Admit it, I’ve got you thinking now.
Before we get further into it, let us please establish something. The way I (and the way everyone should) pick their top players of all time is to pretend you are a GM, every player to ever step on an NBA court is in a draft room and they’re all in their primes. What order do they get selected in? You really think the 6'11" dude that’s faster and stronger then 99% of the other players in the room isn’t getting picked in the top-20, let alone the top 15? Let me convince you some more.
I’d like to make it clear, regardless of where he goes, he should be the second power forward taken off the board behind Tim Duncan. Think I’m crazy?
Tim Duncan
5 Rings, 2 MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs, 1 ROTY, 15 time All-NBA-Defense (NBA record).
Playoff Averages — 20.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 blocks per game (most all time playoff blocks)
Giannis Antetokounmpo
1 Ring, 2 MVPs, 1 Finals MVP, 1 DPOY, 1 MOP (reminder number 2 he’s 27 and has a long way to go).
Playoff Averages — 26.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.4 blocks
Dirk Nowitzki
1 Ring, 1 Finals MVP, 1 MVP
Playoff Averages — 25.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Kevin Garnett
1 Ring, 1 MVP, 1 DPOY
Playoff Averages — 18.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 blocks
Karl Malone
2 MVPs, third all time in points
Playoff Averages — 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, .7 blocks.
I understand theres more great power forwards like Kevin McHale and Moses Malone (for the sake of this article KD is a small forward, just go with it), but with no disrespect to some of the games bests ever, Giannis is superior on both ends of the floor.
He can guard 1 through 5, and score on 1 through 5. How many guys in the history of the league can we say that about? Giannis, Lebron… Tweet at me if you’ve got more.
The NBA right now is overflowing with elite talent, arguably more than ever before. And right now, Giannis is sitting in a throne as the leagues best player. I mean seriously, what happens if Giannis wins his second title and second Finals MVP before he turns 28? If it’s not clear he has potential to be an all time great now, it sure will be then.
With what Giannis brings to the table on both sides of the floor, it’s a no brainer he’s already a top 20 player of all time. He continues to make me audibly say “What the Hell! How do you stop that? How does anyone stop that?” every single time he’s on my television. He’s simply unfair. He’s a freak. The players on the opposing teams know they cant do jack about it either.
If I didn’t make it perfectly clear he’s the second best power forward of all time and should go top 20 yet, heres a few more guys that float around the 13–25 mark. Be honest with yourself and ask, who would I rather have on my team, ___ or Giannis? While doing this, keep in mind that defense in this league MATTERS (and that… you guessed it, Giannis is only 27. We may have not even seen the peak of his powers yet).
Karl Malone — 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists
John Stockton — 13.4 points, 10.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds in playoffs
Charles Barkely — 23.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists in playoffs
Kevin Garnett — 18.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in playoffs
Elgin Baylor — 27.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists in playoffs
Jerry West — 29.1 points, 6.3 assists and 5.6 rebounds in playoffs
Steph Curry — 26.6 points, 6.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds in playoffs
Dirk Nowitzki — 25.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in playoffs
Julius Erving — 21.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in playoffs
Moses Malone — 22.1 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in playoffs
Hakeem Olajuwan — 25.9 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.3 blocks in playoffs
David Robinson — 18.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in playoffs
Allen Iverson — 29.7 points, 6.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds in playoffs
Isiah Thomas — 20.4 points, 8.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds in playoffs
Whether you agree with all those names or not, you cannot deny that Giannis is already on par — if not better than a countless amount of NBA legends. I’d feel very comfortable saying he’s a top 20 player ever, and he’s probably closer to 15. When his career is all said and done, I’d be willing to bet he’s in a top 10 conversation.
