Giannis Antetokounmpo has taken another big step up this season.
Milwaukee Bucks star, Giannis Antetokounmpo has grown yet again to become potentially the next face of the NBA. He is currently leading the NBA in scoring despite not yet possessing any semblance of an outside shot. His athleticism and length alone have allowed him to dominate anything and anyone who has tried to stop him. His lowest scoring output of the season is higher than most player’s averages for the season. Although many players have been lights out this year, Giannis may be the favorite to win MVP while simultaneously becoming the future of the NBA. In recent years, players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have led the NBA and been the most influential outside of as well. James is growing in age and soon a new player will have to step up and take over his throne. Many players are in contention to do so, but none may have the skills and personality that Giannis has to make him the front-runner.
Giannis has grown considerably since joining the league as a skinny teen. He literally has grown since joining the league. He was drafted as a 6’9” lanky teen weighing in at 196 pounds. Now entering his fifth year in the league, he is standing at 6’11” and weighs 220 pounds while being a toned specimen of pure muscle. His physical growth has allowed him to take his game further and further each year. He has improved on all five major stat categories and is on pace to do so again in four categories. It’s almost impossible to pin point where his ceiling is. He can travel the length of the court in three dribbles, dunk while being triple teamed and block shots with his elbow. He is averaging close to 35 points per game without an outside shot which can be added to the list of crazy things Giannis can do. Teams can’t stop him when his game is one dimensional so what will he be able to do when they have to step out and guard him on the perimeter. Will teams be able to stop him? The answer is probably no. He has been steadily improving that shot as well, although he needs to quicken his release. His game has grown almost as much as his maturity.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has many more reasons than just his physical attributes and game to become the next superstar. He has his multiple nicknames since many fans and even analysts still can’t pronounce his name. Antetokounmpo has nicknames such as “Greek Freak, “Alphabet” and “Magic Giannison”. Fans have also seemed to fall in love with his personality. If you watch one of his games, you may think he is cutthroat and heartless. He constantly rocks a mean mug after dunks and blocks and plays the game with an intensity not matched by many. However, if you really get to know Giannis, you will realize he is as soft as a teddy bear. He fell in love with smoothies after trying his first one in America.
Another famous story with Giannis takes place his rookie year. After sending all of his most recent paycheck to his parents, he forgot to save some for himself to get a cab to the game. He ended up deciding to run there until some Bucks fans recognized him and gave him a ride. Giannis has grown his fan base for a while now by cracking jokes, being likable and not picking fights or making excuses. Giannis has also become the Bucks leader. He is a gym rat who tries to work with his teammates and build them up with them as well. Not many other personalities are as likable as him in the league.
A few players may be able to take the throne instead of Giannis. Kevin Durant and Steph Curry may be sacrificing too much by playing together and with age. Kawhi Leonard acts like a robot so if he doesn’t add spunk, his basketball skills won’t be enough to let him take over. The biggest threats may be players like Ben Simmons or Karl Anthony-Towns who are young enough to be also hitting their primes when LeBron and the rest retire. However, Giannis is in the driver’s seat with his lovable personality, distinctive body build and ability to do everything on a basketball court.
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- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Milwaikee Bucks
