Judging by the way media, analysts, and talking heads alike speak about the Milwaukee Bucks' moves this summer, Giannis Antetokounmpo should waltz to his third Most Valuable Player award if this team has any success. While outsiders continue to cast doubt on Milwaukee, the Bucks have quietly set up a roster that fixes some of last season's glaring flaws, and it will be fueled by Giannis.
Doubters have already made up their minds on Bucks
The chatter is loud and clear. They think the Myles Turner move was bad for the Milwaukee Bucks, saying that he's not an upgrade over Brook Lopez. They don't think the backcourt trio consisting of Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Cole Anthony is good enough. They wonder if Giannis can get it done without a legitimate second option by his side in Milwaukee.
If the Milwaukee Bucks shatter those narratives and put together a quality regular season, there will be no escaping the Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP chatter.
Ironically, the Milwaukee Bucks formed exactly the type of roster needed around Giannis in this day and age. The Greek Freak needs shooters, of course, but he also needs players who can get out in transition, create their own shots, be athletic, and play pesky defense. On paper, this squad does all of those better than those in recent years, even without as many household names on the payroll.
No matter what they might say, moving on from Brook Lopez to sign Myles Turner is a quality move. Lopez's best days were clearly behind him, and Turner gives Milwaukee a much younger, versatile option long-term. Sure, the guard rotation is inexperienced compared to years past, but they are young, hungry, and incredibly ready to prove themselves any way they can.
What might further bolster Giannis Antetokounmpo's MVP case is the fact that he's likely going to control plenty of the offense. With no Damian Lillard or Jrue Holiday in town, he's going to take on more responsibility with the ball in his hands than he has in a long time, and it could help fuel some career-best numbers as a facilitator, which would draw plenty of eyes.
None of this is to say that the Milwaukee Bucks should be the clear-cut title favorites. They still have flaws, such as concerns about Kyle Kuzma after last year's playoff meltdown and whether Doc Rivers can piece together adequate lineups with these new pieces. However, even with those concerns, this team has the roster to make some noise.
Despite being the best two-way player in the NBA, it feels like Giannis Antetokounmpo has been discredited in the MVP conversation for the past few seasons now. A strong season with this retooled roster could catapult his name back into not just the conversation but perhaps the forefront of it.
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