The NBA MVP Race: A Case for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The race for NBA’s Most Valuable Player is on, and Giannis Antetokounmpo — the “Greek Freak” — should be named this year’s MVP.
Fresh off the All-Star Break where he was one of the All-Star captains, Giannis makes a compelling case for being named the NBA’s MVP this year. The Greek Freak has been one of the most dominant players in the league, averaging 27.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and six assists a game. And he is doing so efficiently, tallying a 58.1 field goal percentage and a player efficiency rating of 30.3 in 33.2 minutes of play.
Impressive as these stats are, what makes Giannis truly marvelous is his defense. With his length and athleticism, he leads the league in defensive rating (97.8) and defensive win shares (4.3) and ranks second in defensive plus/minus (5.3).
“What is the most valuable player? He sets the tone for our entire organization, our work ethic, our approach to every day,” said Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer.
And this has been Giannis’ role all season long for the Bucks. Though Budenholzer and his program have been credited for the team’s remarkable 44–14 current record (for comparison: the Bucks’ current number of wins already match their win total last season), the central role of Giannis — who has the league-leading 10.8 win shares — in the team’s winning run cannot be ignored. The Greek Freak is the most valuable player of the Milwaukee Bucks, who are currently the league’s best team.
If the Greek Freak’s performance this season is not persuasive enough, here are three other reasons why Giannis Antetokounmpo should be MVP:
1. He is fun to watch.
That the Greek Freak is athletic is undeniable. However, watching him play basketball is not just witnessing a display of athletic prowess…he makes basketball look fun.
Just watch as he denies Jayson Tatum:
And how he executes this no-look full court pass that led to an Eric Bledsoe layup:
And this dunk:
Or this ridiculous three-pointer (which ultimately did not count but still was an exciting shot):
Watching Giannis play reinforces the fact that basketball is an exciting sport and not a game played in the stat sheets.
2. He has an inspiring story.
The rags-to-riches story of the skinny immigrant boy of uncertain citizenship who hawked CDs, DVDs, and glasses in the streets of Athens who became an NBA hopeful drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 draft who became one of the current MVP contenders is seemingly made-for-TV (which did make it to TV as a special that aired during the All-Star weekend).
Giannis is the embodiment of the American Dream. He is a defending and posterizing proof that hard work pays off. Winning the MVP award would make for a compelling storyline that would leave the audience feeling inspired.
3. He is gosh darn funny.
Despite being a monster on the court, Giannis is a funny guy. This could explain why he is one of the most popular players of the league and was voted as All-Star captain by fans. Need proof he is hilarious?
He throws shade at the media and still manages to be charming:
He has endearingly awful jokes:
He cares about airline safety:
He loves America.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing like an MVP this season and has carried his team into becoming the best team in the league. With his personal journey to the NBA and his winsome personality, he is a great ambassador for the NBA. He has proven himself to be an MVP both on-court and off-court.
All that needs to happen is for voters to make it official and name him this year’s MVP.
