For years, Giannis Antetokounmpo has constantly been named one of the top two or three players in the entire NBA in player polls. Yet, his peers may be changing their tune. In the latest player poll from The Athletic (subscription required) asking those around the league to rank the best performer, the Greek Freak didn't get much love whatsoever. The results are as follows.
Nikola Jokic - 5 votes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 3 votes, Luka Doncic - 2 votes, Donovan Mitchell - 2 votes, Six players - 1 vote. It's fair to assume that Giannis was featured among the six players to earn one vote, but even then, that feels like far too few. Opponents have now poked the bear, adding even more motivation to Giannis' plate as he prepares to return following the ongoing NBA All-Star break.
Giannis should be motivated after recent NBA player poll
No one is saying Giannis should have been the runaway votegetter on this list. He's undeniably having a down year statistically compared to last year's sensational season, and he's spent a good chunk of the past few months on the sidelines. All of that certainly factors in. However, when healthy, there is no denying that Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best two-way player in the game.
Now, the star forward has a little extra motivation to remind his opponents exactly who he is.
It would have helped if Giannis had matchups with these foes on deck out of the break. However, the only player on that poll he will face for the rest of the regular season is Donovan Mitchell, as the Bucks and Cavaliers are slated to meet two more times. Giannis isn't shifting his effort based on polls, but if he gets wind of this, it wouldn't be surprising if these were a pair of statement games from him.
Whether this poll came out or not, the Milwaukee Bucks were going to get a motivated Giannis after the All-Star break. With the trade chatter put to bed (for now), Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are completely focused on turning the season around and getting into the postseason, with the team on the verge of missing it for the first time in nearly a decade. Giannis doesn't want to let that happen.
If the Greek Freak's return can help propel the Milwaukee Bucks, who are seven games under the .500 mark and out of the Play-In picture, perhaps his peers will have a newfound respect for him.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.