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Giannis Antetokounmpo should win league MVP for the third straight time

By Thomas J. Brown

Mar 31, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s season compared to Joel Embiid

Ask Joel Embiid who this year’s MVP should be and he’ll tell you it’s Joel Embiid. While the big man’s confidence must be admired, a closer examination of the facts do not support his claim.

The strongest argument for Embiid walking away with the 2021 league MVP award is Philadelphia’s standing as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. While their consistency this season deserves recognition, they are far from a one-man band. Ben Simmons has been spectacular on the defensive end and has a very strong case to be named Defensive Player of The Year. They’ve also benefitted from key contributions from role players like Seth Curry, Dwight Howard and Tobias Harris.

The Milwaukee Bucks know from experience that having the best record in the conference does not guarantee a trip to the Finals. They are comfortable with the third seed; they’re a veteran team who is not afraid of the challenge of winning a playoff game on the road. The focus of this year’s regular season has been to form an identity as a team and enter the postseason healthy. So far, they’ve done that.

As for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comparison to “The Process,” the only statistical category in which he trails is points. Embiid is averaging 29.2 points per game to The Greek Freak’s 28.2 points per game. However, Giannis is averaging 11.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists in one of the most well-rounded performances the game has seen in years. While Embiid’s 10.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists are surely pleasing to Sixers’ fans, his overall impact on the game doesn’t amount to what Antetokounmpo brings to the table. Advantage Giannis.

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