By George Efkarpides / info@eurohoops.net
The “Greek Freak” is currently on the verge of a historic season, putting up amazing numbers and averaging 31.3 points per game, 10.6 rebounds per game, 5.3 assists per game
Giannis embraced his Mamba-challenge of being the league’s MVP league fairly quickly and few could imagine that he would be this dominant from the beginning of this season.
Possibly, the praise received from Kevin Durant played its part. “He could be the best to ever play” is not an expression many players have the privilege of hearing. Especially coming from a former MVP and NBA champion.
While most players looked to team-up in order to raise their hopes of winning a championship, Giannis has focused on improving his decision-making and embracing the leadership role on this young Milwaukee team.
Currently, NBA.com views him as the frontrunner for MVP and we have no reason to disagree.
If the Bucks can rack up some wins and maintain a record of .500 there is no reason why Giannis shouldn’t be a top-3 candidate for MVP.
Here are the top 5 NBA candidates at the moment:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: After eight games, the Bucks have a record of 4-4 and if the supporting cast around Giannis would have performed slightly better they would be over .500. After tonight’s game against the Pistons, Giannis and the Bucks have a couple tough match road match-ups against the Spurs and Cavs that could really measure their strengths and weaknesses as a team. You can count on one thing tough. Giannis will be ready for those games.
- James Harden: “The Beard” is putting up amazing numbers (26.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 9.2 apg) and has led the Rockets to a 6-3 record even without Chris Paul. Harden continues to thrive in Mike D’ Antoni’s offense and should be in the mix from MVP throughout the year.
- Russel Westbrook: The reigning MVP has seen a dip in his scoring numbers but is almost averaging a triple-double (19.6 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 11.9 apg). Where OKC will land in the Western Conference will most likely be a deciding factor of his MVP aspirations.
- DeMarcus Cousins: “Boogie” is loving life in New Orleans at the moment and is dominating on the floor (30.1 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 5.9 apg). It seems that he understands the aspirations of this “do or die” season for New Orleans and if he can continue to play this way he will be in the conversation at the end of the year.
- Blake Griffin: Chris Paul’s departure opened up the floor for Blake Griffin (22.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.7 apg) who is also the Clippers primary ball-handler at times. He is averaging 2.0 three-pointers per game and if the Clippers can end up being a top-3 team in the West it would be hard to argue against Blake Griffin.