Milwaukee Bucks: 5 goals for Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2017-18

2. Earn All-Defensive First Team honors

Playing offense at an elite level takes a lot of energy, and very few players can sustain a high level at both ends of the court. The league’s biggest stars produce incredible offensive performances night to night, and likewise struggle to put up the same defensive effort.

LeBron James, a top-five player all-time and known Iron Man, leads the pack in two-way impact. Although each regular season he coasts more and more on defense, in the postseason he terrorizes opponents by lunging into passing lanes and deploying thunderous chase-down blocks.

Kawhi Leonard is another MVP-type player who brings it on both ends of the court. Before his offensive game reached its current heights, he was best known as one of the league’s greatest defensive players, and has won Defensive Player of the Year twice.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is poised to join James and Leonard at the two-way top, providing elite offense while locking down opposing players on defense. At 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan, Antetokounmpo has the frame to shut down wing players like Leonard, with the instincts and size to protect the rim like a top defensive center.

That combination is truly special, even more so when paired with all of his offensive skills. Last season he was named to the All-Defense Second Team, and a step up onto the First Team would cement his place as one of the very best the league has to offer.