Sixers: Joel Embiid’s final spot on 2021 MVP ladder

NBA MVP candidate #4: Giannis Antetokounmpo

The two-time reigning MVP deserves his recognition this season as well. While the Bucks are the No. 3 seed, rather than the No. 1 seed, Giannis is in no way responsible for the slight drop. Milwaukee spent much of this season experimenting and adjusting, but the one constant is Antetokounmpo’s prolific nature on both sides of the ball.

On defense, Giannis was one of three NBA players to tally over 70 steals and 70 blocks on the season. Offensively, Antetokounmpo has sanded some of the rough edges of his game while maintaining his unmatched physicality attacking downhill. For the season, he posted averages of 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks on .569/.303/.685 shooting splits.

Giannis does it all for Milwaukee. He is still a limited shooter, but it seldom matters. Keeping him out of the paint is often an impossible task. His playmaking chops and improved mid-range game compound the defense’s issues. He can bully his way to any spot on the floor, and with remarkable frequency, he is able to take advantage.

The MVP award does not and will not belong to Giannis this season. Even so, he is one of the best two-way forces on the planet — an undeniable top-five NBA player who can win games on both sides of the ball. The Bucks are as real a contender as any team in the NBA. It starts with Antetokounmpo.