-
Eric WoodyardESPN
In the minds of Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, his choice for the NBA MVP is an easy choice: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
After the league told teams on Friday that races for the MVP and other regular-season individual awards have already ended, before the league restart in Orlando, Florida, the decision was also news for Budenholzer.
“I had no idea that was the case, but it makes sense. I think it was 64, 65, 66 games for different teams, so it certainly is significant work and, most importantly, Giannis in our minds has done more than enough to deserve a consecutive MVP, “said Budenholzer. “What he does for us on both sides of the court, what he does every night, the way he sets the tone for us, the culture, the ethical work, as a teammate. He is an incredible teammate, he plays Selflessly, he does everything. And I think that’s the MVP, so we definitely feel he deserves it and we’ll be happy to support him. “
If Antetokounmpo wins the award, at age 25, he would join LeBron James (25 years old in 2009-10) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24 years old in 1971-72) as the only players to win multiple NBA MVPs at 25 years. or less, according to ESPN statistics and information research. Antetokounmpo, of Greek origin, would join Tim Duncan (two) and Steve Nash (two) as the third player to be born outside the US to win multiple MVPs.
Antetokounmpo is also looking to join Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players to win Defensive Player of the Year and MVP in the same season.
At the time of closing, Caesars Sportsbook had Antetokounmpo’s odds of -800, ahead of James (+500) to win the MVP.
On Thursday Antetokounmpo announced the official launch of its second sneaker, the Nike Zoom Freak 2, with special access to Nike members through Zoom, citing Kevin Durant, Magic Johnson, Scottie Pippen and Kevin Garnett as their favorite players. as they grew.
“I want to be one of the best players to play the game,” Antetokounmpo told reporters during a media availability on July 1. “I did the best job I could do trying to be ready and trying to get my team ready for this.” journey that we are about to undertake to leave and play. But as I said, whoever wants more, who is mentally prepared for all this, what is happening in Orlando, that is the team that will come out on top. “
.
