If you didn’t already believe Giannis Antetokounmpo was the best player in the world, NBA stars Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell might be enough to finally convince you.
Speaking with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Tatum and Mitchell both admitted that Giannis was the best player in the world despite having a solid case to pick themselves. Here’s what they said:
“I think I might say Giannis. How he impacts both sides, scoring and rebounding. We all have off nights but when he has an off night, it’s still 25 and 15 instead of 40 and 20. And he’s won already…”
Mitchell didn’t have much to add other than seconding Tatum’s pick.
“I’m gonna say Giannis, too, for sure,” said Mitchell.
Giannis isn’t the best shooter or scorer in the league, but his all-around game and capabilities on both ends of the floor really stand out when compared to his peers.
In 47 games this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game on 53% shooting. Winners of 12 straight games, the Bucks currently boast the second-best record in the league at 41-17.
Greek Freak Is Climbing The MVP Ladder As NBA Season Hits The Final Stretch
In the middle of a career year on the top-seeded Nuggets, Nikola Jokic has been the MVP frontrunner for most of the season — and deservedly so. But as Giannis continues to impress (especially on the defensive end) and the Bucks continue to win games, his case for MVP has grown stronger and stronger in recent weeks.
If Antetokounmpo continues this upward trend, it could be enough to steal the award from Jokic and claim his 3rd MVP.
Regardless of how the MVP race shakes up, however, Giannis’ only focus is on playoff success. As a proven champion and playoff performer, he’s going to be a tough out this spring, and nobody should be underestimating the kind of impact he makes on both ends of the floor.
If Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell can recognize him as the best player in the league, who are we to disagree with them? Until somebody else shows they can dominate as Giannis has, his place at the top of the food chain is going to remain untouched.
Source: fadeawayworld
