Giannis Antetokounmpo was named to the 2024-25 All-NBA First Team on Friday, marking his seventh-consecutive on the league’s best starting five of the season. Antetokounmpo was unanimously granted the honor by the media, putting him in elite company with only eight other Hall-of-Famers that have achieved 7-straight honors. The feat also puts Antetokounmpo in the same league as Michael Jordan when achieving a comprehensive litany of specific awards.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Michael Jordan Are the Only Two Players in NBA History to Achieve This
Joining Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver center Nikola Jokic, Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell, and Boston forward Jayson Tatum on the 2024-25 All-NBA First Team, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was unanimously agreed to be one of the best players in the league.
Jan 11, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
After losing out on the MVP award, which went to the odds-on favorite Gilgeous-Alexander, Antetokounmpo still achieved All-NBA First Team, continuing a historic streak of 7-straight appearances among the league’s best 5.
The achievement puts him in an exclusive class of players that Michael Jordan previously occupied all by his lonesome.
Every player in NBA history with an MVP, DPOY, and 7+ First Team All-NBA selections: (h/t @nathanmarzion)
Michael Jordan
Giannis Antetokounmpo
End of list. pic.twitter.com/N7TOJYT70d
— BucksRealm (@BucksRealm) May 23, 2025
With league MVPs, Defensive Player of the Year awards, and an extended streak of All-NBA First Teams, Antetokounmpo and Jordan display their all-around dominance over an extended period of time in a way that no other players have.
Naturally, both players also won championships during their peaks, which included them being awarded Finals MVP.
Milwaukee Bucks, 2024 NBA Draft, NBA Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Phoenix Suns
Jul 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates with the NBA Finals MVP Trophy following the game against the Phoenix Suns following game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Resume is One of the Best in NBA History
Antetokounmpo has already entered the conversation of the greatest NBA players of all time, and while almost no one would put the Greek Freak over Jordan, it’s hard to argue that Giannis is not somewhat near the top.
In addition to being a championship-proven talent, Antetokounmpo has been one of the best two-way players in his era as well. It is hard to find another player who had been as dominant in the modern era.
there is literally no debate, giannis is the best PF of this era pic.twitter.com/cEP2bQIhAK
— buckets (@buckets) May 23, 2025
Jordan does have several accolades that Antetokounmpo does not. With a record 10 scoring titles, Jordan has achieved something Giannis has yet to do, which is lead the league in points for a season. Despite his dominance, Antetokounmpo has never won it. He came second to Joel Embiid in 2022. That being said, he has been the league’s leading scorer over the last decade, which is certainly an impressive accomplishment.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jan 27, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) scores a basket during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo could certainly match Jordan’s 14 All-Star selections in due time. He currently has 9 to his name, but there’s no reason to think he will not match if not surpass Jordan in this category.
Comparisons between players is always a ground for debate and inflammatory remarks, particularly when comparing players from different eras and generations, but finding ways to contextualize greatness while acknowledging the special talent of both parties is always worth celebrating.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Nov 13, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates after scoring during overtime against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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