Don't get surprised if he will be included in the top candidates for this season's MVP
The Greek Freak is already seasoned to become one of the dominant players in the NBA.
In February of this year, Giannis Antetokunmpo made his debut in the All-Star Game as he started for the East All-Stars, the first Milwaukee Buck to enter the All-Star Game since Micheal Redd did it in 2004. Then, he was named as one of the members of the All-NBA Second Team for the 2016-2017 season which saw Antetokunmpo averaged 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and 2 blocks.
Ever since the All-Star Game, this basketball pundit on wheels has been saying that the Greek Freak will achieve greater heights this season and beyond and, this basketball pundit is right, at least by looking at the numbers.
The numbers? Oh yes, folks, if you want to freak yourselves out, then take a look at the numbers below:
36 Points per Game
4 games into the new season Giannis Antetokunmpo has been literally and figuratively tearing it off on offense as he has been norming 36 points a night in those 4 games which include a 37-point performance in the Bucks' opening night win against the Boston Celtics. He then scored 44 points against the Portland Trail Blazers but it was his block at the end that sealed the win. Giannis Antetokunmpo is the league's leading scorer, folks, and second among small forwards in field goal shooting with 65%. No wonder why the Bucks are 3-1 at the very moment.
10 Rebounds per Game
This is another leap from what Antetokunmpo did last season. Even though he is not the leading rebounder among all players just yet, his 10 boards per outing in those 4 games is enough to put the Greek Freak on the top two of the leaderboard among all small forwards. Overall, Antetokunmpo already had 43 rebounds in just 4 games- the first player to grab that many rebounds.
5 Assists per Game
One reason why Antetokunmpo may be the next thing in the NBA after LeBron James and Kevin Durant is his passing ability. Even though he is not a flashy passer as Lonzo Ball, Russell Westbrook or even Stephen Curry, don't count the Greek Freak's passing game just yet. In fact, he is only second to LeBron James among small forwards in assists per game, dishing 5 dimes per night. But his 21 assists combined from those 4 games? That's entirely something else.
2 Steals and a Block: A Complete Game
If you still think that Giannis Antetokunmpo is merely an offensive player, then you haven't seen him play at all. He is averaging 2 steals and a block per game- ranking himself 3rd among all small forwards in both categories. If these defense-related numbers don't freak you out, then nothing will.
Conclusion
Kobe Bryant challenged Giannis Antetokunmpo to win the MVP this season and if we are to look at the numbers, don't be surprised. Giannis Antetokunmpo is taking the Black Mamba's challenge seriously and his numbers don't lie either.
MVP or not, the Greek Freak will wreak havoc this season and the rest of the NBA should watch out.
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