On paper, this should be the Milwaukee Bucks’ year. They boast easily the best player in the Eastern Conference in Giannis Antetokounmpo, they added a floor-spacing center in Myles Turner, and the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics will take a step back.
However, no one really sees the Bucks as frontrunners. Part of it has to do with the fact that Damian Lillard was waived, but even before that, they were more “pretender” than “contender.”
Since winning the title in 2021, Antetokounmpo simply hasn’t been giving the supporting cast a player of his caliber deserves. That could mean he will post massive numbers this season, but that’s not great for the Bucks.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – APRIL 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers of Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 29, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo Predicted to Win MVP
Last year, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and a career-high 6.5 assists. Without an All-Star point guard to carry some of the offensive load, one can only imagine those numbers going up.
Setting aside the lingering trade rumors surrounding Giannis, his winning MVP would not be good for the Bucks. The only way he could edge out Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or even Luka Doncic would be by having a historical season.
That doesn’t seem too far-fetched, although it would mean that he is the only good player on his team.
“This season, with Damian Lillard recovering in Portland, even more shot creation will be asked of Antetokounmpo — who else on this roster can handle the rock?” asked NBC’s Kurt Helin on October 6th. That’s not good for the Bucks when we’re talking playoff runs, but in the regular season in a down East, the Bucks will win enough to be top six and Antetokounmpo will put up undeniable numbers.
Helin believes that Antetokounmpo will win MVP. That’s horrible news for the Bucks.
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks leads a fast break in the second half against the Indiana Pacers during game three of the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 25, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MVP From Giannis Is Bad for Milwaukee Bucks
If the Bucks lose in the first round or miss the playoffs, Giannis is going to demand a trade. You’d be hard-pressed to find an NBA expert who disagrees with that.
If Giannis wins MVP, it will only signal to him and the rest of the league that he has no help. If Giannis puts together his best season yet, a championship is the only acceptable outcome.
This presents a Catch-22. If Giannis wins MVP, he will have had one of the best seasons in NBA history. However, if he has one of the best seasons in NBA history, it means his teammates were unable to offer much support, especially on offense.
Giannis was once surrounded by Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Jrue Holiday. They all aged out of their roles. Since then, the Bucks have surrounded him with Turner, Lillard, Kevin Porter Jr., and Kyle Kuzma. All of those players are clear downgrades.
At this point in his career, Antetokounmpo is still a superstar, although he shouldn’t have to carry the biggest load in the league. An MVP effort from Giannis would signal a failure to support him by the Bucks.
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