Bucks reason No. 1: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ability on the basketball court is a reason alone. The two-time MVP and reigning finals MVP has not lost a step, averaging 27 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks on 52.9 percent shooting from the field.
Although his half-court game and perimeter offense can still be improved, he’s by far the most dangerous player in transition, with opposing defenders being forced to hack him and hope he misses at the free-throw line. Any steal by the Bucks is practically an automatic bucket on the other end, leading to quick runs and comeback potential.
Few have the ability to guard Giannis both off the dribble and in the post, and if a team doesn’t have a specific defender with a body type to keep up with the Greek Freak, they have little to no chance. Players such as Bam Adebayo and Kawhi Leonard have experienced success against him in years past, but no player has been able to completely shut him down as of yet.
In last year’s finals, he averaged over 35 points and 13 rebounds a night, cultivating in the series-clinching 50 points, 14 rebound performance in Game 6. In addition to his offensive ability, his defensive intelligence and pure athletic ability are also immeasurable. His help defense and blocks at the rim, as well as his knack for stepping into passing lanes, is second to none, as he uses his freakish athleticism to his advantage.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is at least a top-three player in this league, if not top one, and needs to be respected as such. He has a legitimate shot to be one of the five best players this game has ever seen, as he just turned 27 earlier this month.