Milwaukee Bucks: 5 goals for Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2017-18
1. Win the MVP Award
The way to prove he is not among the best, but in fact is the best, is to win the Most Valuable Player award.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the physical ability to win the award, with his combination of length, size, speed and instincts. He can handle the ball like a point guard, protect the rim like a center, and play any position in between. He’s a basketball marvel, with a unique portfolio no one can match.
Taking another step forward in volume of scoring, most likely with a corresponding uptick in 3-point accuracy, will push him among the top candidates for the award. Adding in his unparalleled accumulation of box score statistics (last season he became the first player in NBA history to finish in the top-20 in all five of points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks) and he can reasonably post the statistical profile needed.
Where Antetokounmpo will need some help is in the team production area. A step forward from its best player will propel Milwaukee up the standings, but unless he puts together a narrative-grabbing season such as Russell Westbrook did last season, the Bucks will need to finish in the top two or three teams in the Eastern Conference.
That’s not impossible either, especially as most of the teams that finished above Milwaukee in the standings last season have potential issues of their own heading into the season. Boston is more talented, but has to build chemistry with just four returning players. Cleveland will be without Isaiah Thomas to start the season. Washington likewise with Markieff Morris. Toronto swapped out veteran pieces for young prospects.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks: 2017-18 NBA season preview
Giannis Antetokounmpo is far from a sure thing to be the MVP. But unlike most in the league, the difficult path to winning the award exists. A better offensive season, paired with his usual defensive excellence and a corresponding rise in team success could propel Giannis Antetokounmpo to the MVP award. That’s the goal he should fixate on most clearly in his mind.