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Report predicts Giannis Antetokounmpo will earn a spot on the All-NBA First Team
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo spent most of the early part of the season playing the role of gracious host. As fellow superstar Damian Lillard got acclimated to life on and off the court in Milwaukee, the "Greek Freak" said and did all the right things to get his new teammate comfortable.
But as the season progressed, Antetokounmpo showed why he is not only an MVP candidate but also a true leader on and off the court. He continued to dominate on both ends of the floor, leading the Bucks to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and cementing himself as one of the league's top players.
In fact, a recent report from Bleacher Report predicts that Antetokounmpo will earn a spot on the All-NBA First Team this season. Should this prediction come true, this would be Giannis' sixth season in a row making this prestigious team.
Early adjustments
Welcoming another superstar to a team is never an easy transition. However, the two-time MVP welcomed Lillard with open arms, going as far as to proclaim that the Bucks' were Dame's team.
"Giannis Antetokounmpo spent the first quarter or so of the season, it seemed, trying to recalibrate his role at both ends of the floor following the arrival of Damian Lillard. The results were great by mortal standards, but a mixed bag by his own. He looked and felt less aggressive on offense, particularly in transition. And he was initially, and absolutely, part of the Milwaukee Bucks' defensive malaise on the break," Dan Favale wrote.
Still very much Giannis' team
However, Giannis' recent performances have clearly shown that, for all intents and purposes, the Bucks are his team, and they will go as deep into the postseason as he takes them. Despite the addition of Lillard, Antetokounmpo has still been putting up MVP-worthy numbers of over 30 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high six assists per game.
More than anything, the Greek Freak has seemingly found that critical balance between acceding to his teammates and taking over when necessary. But make no mistake, Giannis' production will dictate the Bucks' success in the playoffs.
"His numbers, like usual, speak for themselves. And they are, like always, louder than deafening. This dude is spitting out 30 points, 11 boards, six-plus assists (career high), over one steal, and a block like it's routine. Because for him, it is routine," Favale explained.
