Milwaukee Bucks: Who will be the team’s Most Improved Player next season?

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Last but by no means least, we arrive at the Bucks’ best player, who may still have room to improve in the upcoming season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the Bucks’ MIP in 2014-15, 2016-17 and 2017-18. In 2015-16 that title would probably have gone to Middleton, but it is arguable.

Just one look at something as simple as the year by year progression of Anetokounmpo’s statline is enough to marvel at his continued growth. This is a player with one of the craziest work ethics in the league, and as he gets even stronger and his skill-set becomes more and more polished, the next stage of his development may even be coming near.

That next stage, of course, will likely lead to the Bucks winning 50 games and him entering the MVP conversation.

The big question here is of course what Antetokounmpo will try to add to his game and how coach Mike Budenholzer intends to utilize him.

Is this the year that his shooting becomes league average? The new Bucks’ coaching staff has a great track record of developing shooters. Will Giannis get more assists and see an increase in his effective field goal percentage due to the better spacing? it certainly seems like a possibility.

Antetokounmpo’s points per game may decrease due to increased talent around him, or a shift in his role, but if that comes with improved shooting, greater playmaking, or further increased efficiency, it could still represent a major gain for both the Bucks and Antetokounmpo.

When all is said and done, Antetokounmpo will enter the year as the favorite to be the Most Improved Player for the Bucks, and that’s by no means a bad thing.