Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team to the surprise of no one despite him being the youngest on that list. Even Michael Jordan and Jerry West see the legend in him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Giannis Antetokounmpo is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
What if the list gets trimmed down to just the greatest of 21st century? CBS Sports hold him in a higher regard.
The sports publication released its ranking of the 21st century greatest NBA players and the Greek Freak placed seventh. He is also the second best power forward on that list next to Tim Duncan who got the number three spot.
Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is regarded as the greatest of this millennium followed by his 2010s rivals Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Together, these two combine for eight NBA titles.
In the top five are two centers Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal. Above Antetokounmpo is another Laker, the late Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal
MINNEAPOLIS – MAY 29: Shaquille O’Neal #34 and Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers stand on the court while playing againt the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2004 NBA Playoffs on May 29, 2004 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement: Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo By David S. Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Rounding up the Top 10 are Kevin Durant (no. 8), Kevin Garnett (no. 9), and Dirk Nowitzki (no. 10).
CBS Sports’ Top 25 NBA players of the 21st century:
1. LeBron James
2. Stephen Curry
3. Tim Duncan
4. Nikola Jokic
5. Shaquille O’Neal
6. Kobe Bryant
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo
8. Kevin Durant
9. Kevin Garnett
10. Dirk Nowitzki
11. Dwyane Wade
12. Chris Paul
13. Kawhi…
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 25, 2025
There’s not a lot of of negative reactions on the Top 10 list except for Bryant getting ranked lower than Jokic. Some also thought that Russell Westbrook at no. 20 is preposterous.
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Tim Duncan
Is there any case that Antetokounmpo overtakes Duncan? Right now, there’s a lot of catching up to do. Longevity is one main issue.
The only edge the Greek Freak has over the Spurs legend is his Defensive Player of the Year. The Most Improved Player of the Year honor does not count since Duncan is a first overall pick.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Tim Duncan
Dec 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) shoots the ball over Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Title-wise, Antetokounmpo will need four more to match him. He will also need three Finals MVP.
He might catch up to him when it comes to All NBA First Team (7 vs 10) while they are already tied in season MVP with two.
Winning is what Antetokounmpo need to do to rise in the ranking. Maybe he can overtake Jokic whose only edge over him is his three MVP awards.
Can the Bucks help him? Right now, analysts are skeptic.
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