The worst-kept secret was revealed Friday when Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was named NBA MVP for the second straight season.
Giannis (85 of possible 101 first-place votes) beat out Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James for the award (16 first-place votes).
But ever since Giannis and the Bucks were upset by the Miami Heat in five games in their Eastern Conference second-round NBA playoff series 10 days ago, many have wondered if he deserved to win MVP again.
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A reminder that the voting was conducted before the playoffs began.
Warriors forward Draymond Green was asked Friday on TNT's "The Arena" if Giannis was a deserved MVP recipient.
"I mean, he deserves it," Green told host Cari Champion. "He's been playing great the last couple of years. His team had the best record in the NBA. I think you need to reward that guy, and most of the time that guy does get rewarded as he has the last two years."
Golden State Warriors
During the regular season, which was halted back in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and resumed in Orlando, Fla. with seeding games, Giannis averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 30.4 minutes.
The Bucks finished with the best regular-season record in the NBA for the second straight season and were NBA title favorites when the playoffs began. But their early exit has led to speculation about Giannis' future with the franchise.
Shortly after the Bucks were eliminated by the Heat on Sept. 8, Giannis indicated to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes that he had no desire to leave the team via trade this offseason or free agency next offseason.
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But in recent days, Giannis unfollowed all of his Bucks teammates on Instagram and reportedly had a lengthy meeting with Bucks ownership to discuss the future of the franchise.
The Warriors are among the team that could be a landing spot for the two-time NBA MVP.