Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo is the perfect face of the league
By Dalton Sell
No player in the NBA right now is under more spotlight than Giannis Antetokounmpo after he helped the Milwaukee Bucks win their first title in 50 years.
Following a herculean 50-point performance in a 105-98 Game 6 victory, the Greek Freak hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, emotionally basking in pure joy. Moments later, to the surprise of no one, Antetokounmpo was unanimously awarded the NBA Finals MVP, capping off a brilliant series.
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Soon after the victory, discourse flooded the NBA mainstream media regarding Antetokounmpo’s place in the league among top players, where his dynamic closeout performance ranks among the best of all-time, and many more questions that will have the media and fans alike talking for the entirety of the offseason.
This win will change the opinions of many when it comes to Antetokounmpo, so much so that some might believe he should be the next face of the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could very well become the next face of the league for the Milwaukee Bucks following NBA Finals win
Throughout the past decade, the face of the league revolved around primarily three players in LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. While James had been the dominant candidate, both Durant and Curry each nipped at his heels on multiple occasions. While a changing of the guard might not be definite just yet as these three are still playing top-tier basketball, this title could certainly bolster Antetokounmpo’s case in the argument.
After all, entering this playoff run, the only thing Antetokounmpo was practically missing from his star-studded resume was a championship. From being the 2016-17 Most Improved Player to becoming a back-to-back MVP winner to winning Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo had been the poster child for improvement. His rise from an unknown prospect out of Greece that was viewed as a project player in the league to ultimately becoming a champion and one of the best players in the NBA eight years later is truly inspiring.
Without discrediting the greats that came before him and are still playing alongside him, here are just a few reasons why Giannis Antetokounmpo is the perfect face of the league.