NBA: Top 10 candidates for MVP in 2017-18 season

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5. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Consider this the popular dark horse pick. After leading the Milwaukee Bucks in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks AND steals last year, it’s only a matter of time before Giannis Antetokounmpo owns the league. That transition could very well begin in 2017-18.

Heading into his fifth NBA season, the Greek Freak is still a 3-point shot away from being the league’s most terrifying two-way player, but he’s also only 22, so that feels like an inevitable addition to his game. If he does manage to incorporate that skill into his repertoire this season, while also stepping up as his team’s defensive anchor, MVP honors might not be far behind.

Last year, Giannis put up 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.6 steals per game on 52.1 percent shooting en route to the Most Improved Player of the Year Award, so he’s clearly on the track to superstardom. As his game continues to expand, the only thing that might hold him back is his team success.

The young Bucks may have landed the 6-seed in last year’s playoffs, but it came on only 42 wins. With Jabari Parker sidelined, they’ll need Khris Middleton to shake the rust off if the goal is 50 wins and a top-four seed in the East.

However, if the Bucks stun the world and surge to a top-three record in their conference, it’ll likely be because Giannis has an positively monster year. If that’s the case, the Greek Freak may swoop in and lay claim to the title of “NEXT” among the NBA’s elite.