Giannis Antetokounmpo has surpassed stat monster and NBA legendary player Wilt Chamberlain this season by recording his third consecutive season with 30+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists per game.
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Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) jostles for position under the basket in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks ended up only as no. 3 in this year’s MVP voting with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder winning it.
The ‘best player’ tag has been long removed from Giannis since he won the NBA title but the stats show otherwise. That tag is now usually attached to Denver Nuggets star and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic who is described as one of the best offense players of all time.
The Greek Freak last won his MVP in 2020, the same year he won his first and only Defensive Player of the Year. He won his first NBA title after that.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jan 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
He continued to produce his usual numbers while playing defense worthy of First Team All Defensive Team honors. However, the failure in the playoffs got him relegated to lower tiers according to some analysts.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo underrated?
Antetokounmpo was asked in Brazil where he is having his offseason if he is an underrated player in relation to the three-year historic stretch he just made. He said it does not cross his mind as long as he fulfills his role.
“I’ll be honest with you, sometimes I stop and think about it, you don’t play for recognition but that’s always good… but at the end of the day, who cares?,” he answered.
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“I can’t control what other people think, but as you said, the numbers are right there against the narratives (imposed on him).”
However, he is also aware of what he can do.
“All I can control is my effort, and based on that I know I’m one of the best (NBA players).”
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