NBA: How history tells us who will win the 2017-18 NBA MVP

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 22: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Four of the 2017 NBA Western Conference Finals at AT&T Center on May 22, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates after driving to the hoop against DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 22, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Of all the choices here, this is the one most fraught with disaster potential.

It has nothing to do with the man himself. In a league full of them, he is the One True Unicorn. He was nearly unguardable last year despite hitting only 27 percent from downtown, a number which he has vowed to improve. He is one of maybe three players in the NBA who can guard literally anyone. His ceiling is a cross between the two current best players in the league. He is twenty-two freaking years old.

No, this choice could blow up because Milwaukee, even in a diluted East, is anything but a sure thing. Following a surprising .500 finish in 2014-15, they surprised no one the next season and won 33 games. If the same trend continues following a hopeful 42-win campaign, even monster stats won’t help the Freak in this field.

On the other hand, if they mess around and get one of the East’s top seeds, predicting a third place finish from him might look ridiculous for a different reason.

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