4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The reigning Finals MVP isn’t done yet. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks may have gotten the chip off their shoulder but they are just getting started.
There is a certain barrier that is often broken by winning that first championship. Remember when the Golden State Warriors took an astronimical leap after winning in 2015? While I don’t think the Bucks will have a similar trajectory — there is still a good chance they come out even more hungry this season.
At the center of it all will be Giannis. He’s racked up an impressive amount of accolades already, winning back-to-back MVP’s, a Defensive Player of the Year Award, five All-NBA selections and of course, the 2021 Finals MVP.
Powerful is one way to describe Giannis. He’s the most dominant paint presence we have seen since Shaquille O’Neal (though, Zion Williamson is making a name for himself as well) and he’s the most versatile defender in the league.
However, it is Antetokounmpo’s growth as a passer and leader that has opened up things for Milwaukee. Giannis made incredible reads all throughout the playoffs and a strong supporting cast finally unlocked his full potential. I don’t expect anything less than greatness next season for Giannis.