As the end of the regular season approaches closer, one hot topic is dividing the fanbase. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokic, who deserves to win MVP? They have been recognized as maybe the two best basketball players in the league this season, constantly pushing each other off the top of the ladder. But in the shadows, the Greek Freak has been more destructive than ever.
In today’s dismantling of the Dallas Mavericks, Giannis Antetokounmpo compiled 32 points and 15 rebounds. It was the 24th time he has scored 30 or more in a season where his scoring has reached a career-high. Likewise, as the coach, Doc Rivers somehow feels Antetokounmpo is a “forgotten great player” that deserves much greater recognition.
“I feel like it’s going unnoticed. I mean you can put his numbers up against anybody in the league this year, you really can. Then when you factor in that he plays on both sides of the ball as well to me he’s like a groundhog that he does it everyday the same thing and I think at times we do take it for granted,” Rivers admitted.
In hindsight, Antetokounmpo is the second leading scorer in the league, averages the fifth most rebounds and his scoring efficiency is the highest among the top 10 scorers in the entire league. If he hadn’t rewritten what dominance entails, Giannis Antetokounmpo is now finding new heights in doing so.
Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
And a reason for doing that is clear to Rivers. He feels the two-time MVP feels the need to go above and beyond to evolve each year because of the loyalty he holds for the Deers. “I think that’s what makes him such a unique player. He was drafted by the Bucks, he’s won a title with the Bucks and he’s still a Buck. And he wants to be. He loves the town, loves the people, people love him back. He’s made this a place where people want to come you know in a lot of ways in play just says so much about him,” the Bucks HC noted.
This comes amidst his leaving being a running topic around the NBA community. Antetokounmpo has stated his desire to leave the Bucks if they don’t compete. The Warriors or the Heat have been keeping track of him too. However, if what Rivers says is true, Giannis Antetokounmpo is satisfied with the Bucks’ vision. As far as he has that, there seems to be no reason he would want to leave.
Giannis Antetokounmp is so much more than a force of nature
Surely, the fans of the Bucks and even the top brass of the organization would be glad to know Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stay in Milwaukee. He’s a fierce competitor who is capable of turning games around single-handedly. The Bucks went through a huge crisis after starting the season 2-8.
Amidst such a rut, Giannis Antetokounmpo took the responsibility of elevating his game. They now sit 11 games above .500. But basketball games aren’t won through a single player. The first 10 games cast doubts around the Bucks. As the leader, not only has the former Finals MVP set a precedent of being unyielding, but he galvanized his teammates.
“He’s as low maintenance as any forget the stars, any player I’ve been around. I love his spirit like I know the basketball part is great. he has this pure heart you know. I told him like Kevin Garnett would be the one like they’re so similar in that regard. They’re so different in a lot of ways but in that you know everything that he says when he says it to the team is only about the right thing. That really helps everybody else on his team become better players too,” Rivers added on Antetokounmpo’s personality.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is truly full of life. In the locker room, he is goofy at times, enabling his teammates to never lose confidence. At the helm of a franchise that expects to compete, he has transformed the culture. The Bucks will go as far as Antetokounmpo takes them. Having Damian Lillard gives the team a greater chance.
But the nucleus remains the Greek Freak.
The post Doc Rivers Makes Announcement on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks Future Weeks After Warriors Enter Trade Rumor Cycle appeared first on EssentiallySports.
