Giannis Antetokounmpo’s development into the best player in basketball saved the franchise in staying in Milwaukee. When Antetokounmpo arrived as an 18 year old rookie in Milwaukee the Bucks were looking like a team that would be relocated into a new city with the team not being very relevant for a long time.
Antetokounmpo, kept getting better and better every year. It has led to winning numerous awards. Including, Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and MVP twice. Then everything came together in July 2021 when Antetokounmpo scored 50 points in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to clinch an NBA Title for the Milwaukee Bucks. Their first championship since 1971, and Finals MVP would go to the Greek Freak.
Giannis has put together an incredible resume to this point and he is only 28 years old. This season he has even averaged a career high in points at, 31.1 points per game. Some now consider him a top 30 player of all time, some even consider him a top 20 player of all time already.
What is now at stake for the legacy of this fantastic player?
Every season that Giannis remains in the prime of his basketball play the expectation should be Championship or bust. Winning a Championship is incredibly tough and even reaching the NBA Finals is difficult in its own task. But the Bucks have been on a roll this season, holding the best record in the entire league even with Khris Middleton only playing in 33 games.
The two teams that look to be standing in the path of the Bucks to reach a second NBA Finals in three years are the 76ers and the Celtics.
The Beasts of the East
The Bucks have never faced the 76ers in the playoffs with Giannis leading the charge but a team centered around Joel Embiid would be no easy task. And, then the Celtics were able to defeat the Bucks in the playoffs last season, and not to mention just beat Milwaukee by 41 points in their last matchup this season.
The Bucks have always struggled with Giannis to defeat the Celtics in the postseason, losing two of three playoff series against Boston with Giannis.
The legacy of Giannis will be tested this playoffs if a matchup against Boston does transpire. Can Giannis dominate and get past one of the best one-two punches in the league?
Giannis will not have to do it in his own either, as he has an incredible supporting cast around him even with Middleton not playing his best ball.
If Giannis can get past his so called “kryptonite team” the haters will have to sit on their hands and watch a Greek God try to reach the top of holding a Larry O’Brien Trophy once again.
The Best Buck of All Time
Giannis does not need to prove anything else to the city of Milwaukee. He already has established himself as the best Buck ever. Not to mention, he has stayed loyal to the Bucks even when the media tried to steer him elsewhere and he did bring a title to the city, ending a 50 year drought.
But this is about what will Giannis Antetokounmpo be remembered for to all the basketball fans who will look back on the past of great players.
Winning another Championship this season would be nothing short of amazement. Especially when the MVP voters (won’t most likely) give him another MVP award because why, he’s too dominant?
Giannis knows his worth and what his dominance should have resulted in the last few years in awards and us in Wisconsin know as well.
A @BleacherReport exclusive with an uncorked Giannis Antetokounmpo who shared his thoughts on MVP narratives: “I believe the last five years I've been the MVP…I will never beg for an MVP award that I believe I deserve.” https://t.co/vGfIqIKO7P
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 9, 2023
Win It
So the Greek Freak? Let’s go win the only trophy and award that matters, go out and reach for the Larry O’Brien once again and cement your legacy even further on the ranks of the greats!
The city of Milwaukee is ready for the ride. Your legacy is far from finished.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
