Just five years ago, Giannis was on top of the world. Two MVP’s, a DPOY(defensive player of the year), a Finals MVP, and a Ring off of one of the most dominant playoff performances in NBA history at the age of just 26. But since that run, the Bucks have been a collective 11-17 in the playoffs, making it past the first round just once in 2022 before losing to the Celtics. Despite that stat, Giannis is arguably as good as he’s ever been, if not better.
He’s maintained his guard like speed, handles, and footwork, passing iq, playmaking, and 34 inch vertical, while being just an inch short of 7 ft tall with a 7 ‘3 foot wingspan and 12 inch hands. He has Shaq-like strength, elite technique and talent as a lockdown perimeter and interior defender. He has also become an elite passer and a much-improved shooter since. Just last year, he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists with a field goal % of over 60.
As far as the 2024 MVP goes, everyone just wants to debate SGA and Jokić, but Giannis was arguably better. He was a better scorer and rebounder than Jokić, as well as less turnover-prone and a much more efficient scorer. He was a better passer and rebounder and a more efficient scorer than Shai. That’s not even mentioning that he’s a better perimeter and interior defender than both of them combined. And stats aside, he had to carry more of a load for the lackluster Bucks squad than anyone else did for their team. It’s not often that at their peak a superstar falls under the radar but that’s what happened.
While many say it’s due to a lack of playoff success, Giannis has done everything he can in those losses to advance. He averaged 42.2 points and 13 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game in the playoffs in 2023, and 33 points, 15.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game in 2024. This includes a historic game 5 vs the Pacers last year worth 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists for a triple double with 2 blocks and 2 steals, all in vain. In a way, the question for Giannis is whether he can win with the Bucks, or, in other words, win by himself.
There have been rumors of his destination during every offseason since 2021. It’s been anywhere from the Spurs to the Lakers, but in spite of all the rumors, Giannis has remained loyal to the Bucks, possibly to a fault. And after missing time due to injury this year and missing the playoffs, along with the end of his contract ending soon the trade rumors have never been louder. This offseason is set to be the most influential on the future of Giannis and the Bucks organization since 2020.
