Giannis Antetokounmpo had an elite regular season. Despite his Milwaukee Bucks dealing with a plethora of injuries throughout the season, Antetokounmpo stepped up, shouldering the majority of the load for his squad.
Antetokounmpo posted historic numbers this season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 60.1% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 points and 11 rebounds while shooting at least 60% from the field.
Most years in the NBA, Antetokounmpo would be worthy of taking home the NBA MVP award, however, he would finish in third place. The Kia NBA MVP award was announced Wednesday with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning and Nikola Jokic finishing as the runner-up.
Antetokounmpo has been the model of consistency throughout his 12-year-career. Since winning back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, he's finished in the top-five of voting every year. By finishing in the top-five of MVP voting for the seventh consecutive season, Antetokounmpo joined elite NBA company.
Antetokounmpo becomes just the seventh person in NBA history to finish in the top-five of MVP voting for at least seven consecutive seasons. The other players are Bill Russell (1958-67), Larry Bird (1981-88), Magic Johnson (1983-91), Kobe Bryant (2006-13), Michael Jordan (1987-93), and LeBron James (2006-18).
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo received 88 votes for third place, nine for fourth place, and three for fifth place. The announcement comes on the heels of reports surfacing that Antetokounmpo could land elsewhere this offseason. While he doesn't possess a no-trade clause, and hasn't officially requested a trade from the Bucks, it is possible he'll be on the move before his contract is up.
Antetokounmpo will be one of the most sought after trade targets in the history of the league.