5 reasons why Giannis Antetokounmpo is an MVP candidate

Five reasons why Giannis Antetokounmpo should be an MVP candidate

Nov 5, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hangs onto the rim after dunking for a basket in the third quarter during the game against the Sacramento Kings at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Kings 117-91. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

4. One of the league’s best defenders

Part of what makes Antetokounmpo so valuable is he anchors the Bucks on both ends of the floor. His defense first earned him playing time in the NBA, and it’s easy to see why. He is six-foot-eleven, has a seven-foot-three wingspan, and has a great deal of fluidity and explosion as an athlete. If scientists were creating an NBA defender in a lab, they would recreate the Greek Freak.

Giannis has turned his tools into production on the defensive end where the Bucks have used him as a rim protector more frequently this season and thus far he ranks fifth in the league in blocks. He is also fifth in the league in steals despite playing less on the wing.

As a result of his defensive play, Antetokounmpo is currently first in the league in defensive box plus/minus. In addition, he is sixth in defensive win shares, placing him just ahead of last season’s Defensive Player of the Year winner, Kawhi Leonard. The Greek Freak is a great defensive asset and has become one of the league’s best.

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