1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks- It seems like many have become bored with the greatness of the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo. He continues to dominate so seamlessly, as he is third in the league in points per game (31.1) while also grabbing 11.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and a block per game while accumulating the best defensive rating of any player in the league at 103.8.
Antetokounmpo has the highest usage rate in the league at 38.8, largely due to the prolonged absence of his secondary scoring option co-star Khris Middleton who missed a quarter of the season with an MCL injury. The Bucks currently are 2nd in the Eastern Conference, boasting a 20-7 record which is the second best in the league only behind the Celtics.
Antetokounmpo continues to be dominant on both ends this season, unfortunately, he has gone back to a slow free-throw shooting routine he had a few years back that has caused some 10-second violation calls.
Voter fatigue can also play a factor in Giannis’s MVP candidacy, but he hasn’t won it in the last two seasons (even though I think he should’ve last season) as that has gone to the Denver Nuggets’ offensive maestro center in Nikola Jokic who’s been impressive in his own right.
Antetokounmpo is the best player in the league right now and should be the favorite to win his third career MVP award.