Even after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo still remains one of the best players in the NBA. For next season, though, the Milwaukee Bucks forward can still hold that claim, especially since he was named as an early favorite to win MVP.
Antetokounmpo capped off a historic 2023-24 NBA season by being named to the All-NBA First Team for the sixth consecutive year. This marks his eighth consecutive selection to an All-NBA team, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players.
The 2023-24 campaign saw Antetokounmpo become the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 points per game while shooting an astounding 61.1% from the field. This surpassed the previous record held by Bucks legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 31.7 points on 57.7% shooting in the 1970-71 season.
Antetokounmpo’s previous campaign also included him finishing second in the league in scoring behind Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, as well as setting career-highs in assists per game (6.5) and triple-doubles (10). He joined elite company by becoming only the third player in NBA history to average more than 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single season, alongside Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain.
Despite his impressive individual accomplishments, Antetokounmpo finished fourth in the MVP voting, his lowest ranking since the 2020-21 season. Nevertheless, his consistent dominance has cemented his status as one of the NBA’s premier superstars and a driving force behind the Bucks’ plans to compete in the coming years.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Listed as One of 2024-25 Top MVP Candidates
Even as early as now, names are being floated on who would win MVP next year. In an article written by Mo Dakhil for Bleacher Report, Antetokounmpo is one of the players projected to be included in that race.
“FanDuel has his odds as the fourth best for next season at +600. He is a wrecking ball on offense and a menace on weak-side defense. Playing for Greece’s national team in the Olympics, Antetokounmpo has looked healthy and ready to go.
If the Bucks can get Damian Lillard going next season and keep Khris Middleton healthy, Antetokounmpo will have enough talent around him to make a run in the Eastern Conference and the MVP award,” Dakhil wrote.
Over the course of 11 seasons in the league, the Greek Freak has averaged 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He has also won the MVP award twice, a Finals MVP once, and became champion in 2021 when the Bucks defeated a Chris Paul-led Phoenix Suns team in the Finals.
It remains to be seen whether Antetokounmpo can win his third MVP or not next year. Nevertheless, expect the All-Star to come out with guns blazing next season, especially after the previous one ended in disappointment.
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