Milwaukee Bucks: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards

Most Valuable Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo

SUPRISE! Bet you didn’t expect this. Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably a top-five player in the NBA right now. After his start to last season, many believed it was Antetokounmpo’s season to win MVP. However, the Greek Freak couldn’t sustain the LeBron James-level of play all season long.

Maybe this season will be different.

One of the main categories that people voters look at when voting on the MVP is the number of wins the team has. Usually, the team must be sitting in the top three of its conference. It’s a tall order to ask the Bucks to finish in the top-three considering the talent levels of the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers. But now with Mike Budenholzer as the coach, he may be able to unlock that untapped potential.

Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged an astounding 26.9 points, 10 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. He has mastered almost every aspect of the game, apart from one: shooting. Once Antetokounmpo has a reliable 3-point shot, he will be as close to unstoppable as one can get. The Greek Freak could be the heir apparent to LeBron James, can he replicate to MVP awards that James has? Only time will tell.

Overall, the Bucks don’t have too many players who have legit chances to win awards this season. However, I’m sure Antetokounmpo will be one of the favorites to win the MVP season at the start of the new season.