Top 5 MVP candidates heading into 2019-20 NBA season
By Ananth Para
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Although Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP season ended with four consecutive losses to the now-champion Toronto Raptors, it’s not something that will become the moral of his story. If anything, it’ll be a footnote.
Still only 24 years old, Giannis Antetokounmpo has yet to reach the astronomical ceiling he has created for himself throughout his six years as an NBA player. With Kawhi Leonard seemingly headed to the Los Angeles Clippers, the uncertainty of the future of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics falling apart at the seams in alarming (albeit entertaining) fashion, the East belongs to the Greek Freak.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s video game-like numbers are not something that would impress MVP vote-holders for a second consecutive year, but another step forward in defensive intensity, playmaking and long-range shooting seems like the perfect combination for Antetokounmpo to take home a second straight MVP award.
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As he’s said in multiple interviews, his goal is hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Any developments in his overall game will go a long way in the Milwaukee Bucks‘ shot at becoming NBA champions once again, and could start the reign of Antetokounmpo as the face of the NBA.