Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo could conquer a challenge that was handed to him by Kobe Bryant this season
Prior to the start of the 2017-18 NBA season, Kobe Bryant listed out challenges for various players in the league. To Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the challenge of winning the MVP award was placed on him by the five-time NBA champion in Kobe Bryant.
Giannis, however, failed to complete the challenge giving to him as he ended up 6th in NBA MVP voting, finishing one point (75) behind previous winner Russel Westbrook (76). Although Giannis fell short of the ”Kobe Challenge,” he was named an All-Star for the second straight season and was also named Second Team All-NBA averaging 26.9 points per game and 10 rebounds.
With the start of the 2018-19 season, Giannis looks like he is out to achieve the challenge placed on him as he has started off the season as his nickname entails like a ”Freak”. Giannis, in his team’s last outing, against the Philadelphia 76ers finished the game with 32 points and 18 rebounds making him the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to record four straight 25 point, 13 rebound games to open a season.
Needless to say, the league is still in its early days as the Milwaukee Bucks are off to a 4-0 start (the first time since 2001) Giannis has been dominant across every area of the floor, looking like the best player on his team and arguably the Eastern Conference. However, regardless of how dominant Giannis stat line might look, the success of the Bucks is going to play a pivotal role in further bolstering his chances for MVP.
Asides from Russel Westbrook in the 2016-17 season, no player has won the MVP award without his team winning 50 games. The Bucks last season had a record of 44-38 as they barely secured the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference.
With a new coach in Mike Budenhozer and the play of Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton, the Greek Freak is a real contender for MVP barring any unforeseen injuries and drastic drop in form.