Only three players in NBA history have ever won three-consecutive MVP awards.
With LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Joel Embiid all missing time, the door has officially opened for Giannis Antetokounmpo to join that elite company.
As the reigning 2x MVP, Antetokounmpo’s odds were not in his favor entering this season — but his numbers are there and he has remained healthy. In a segment on Jalen & Jacoby, ESPN analyst Jalen Rose explained the MVP case for Giannis:
“This looks like Giannis’ trophy to win and everybody else finished second. [He’s] the all-star game MVP and the back-to-back reigning MVP. His numbers are just as comparable, if not better. He’s now getting triple-doubles, Jrue Holiday is balling when he’s out and I’m like ‘wait a minute, Giannis has a chance if he can stay healthy the remainder of the year to be the constant choice’,” Rose said.
This season, Giannis is averaging 29 points, 11.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game on 56% shooting. The Milwaukee Bucks stand third in the East with a 28-14 record.
Winning the MVP for the third straight year would certainly help to solidify his place in NBA history.
Of course, he’s after the much bigger prize.
After a disappointing finish in last year’s playoffs, the Greek freak is focused on making amends for his past failures and bringing a Championship to Milwaukee. So, as great as the MVP trophy would be for him, his mind is more worried about finally putting a ring on that finger.
