Last season Giannis Antetokounmpo started to break out into NBA superstardom. At 22, Jason Kidd put the ball in his hands as a point forward and he responded with an All-NBA (and All-Star) season averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Plus he made the NBA All-Defensive team. He won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award going away.
What’s next for the Milwaukee star? When Kobe Bryant was challenging a few NBA stars a few days back, Antetokounmpo said he wanted one. Kobe now responded.
Still waiting for my challenge.. @kobebryant
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 24, 2017
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 27, 2017
I could see Antetokounmpo the MVP. Not likely this season, but down the line. First, the Bucks need to be better than a 42-win team for him to win it (last year Russell Westbrook won it on a 46-win team, and he averaged a triple-double for the season; usually the MVP’s team wins 55 games or more). More than that, Antetokounmpo has to develop a jump shot that would open up both his offensive game and his ability to set up teammates. Antetokounmpo has been All-NBA good, but MVP good is another level.
Lord help the other teams in the NBA when Antetokounmpo develops a reliable jumper, I’m not sure how you defend the Greek Freak then.