Bucks HC: Giannis deserves back-to-back MVPs
With the NBA ending the races for its regular-season awards, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer believes Giannis Antetokounmpo is the hands-down choice for MVP.
"I had no idea that that was the case, but it makes sense. I think it was 64, 65, 66 games for different teams, so that's certainly a significant body of work, and more importantly, certainly, Giannis, in our minds, has done more than enough to deserve a back-to-back MVP," Budenholzer said, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "What he does for us on both ends of the court, what he does every night, the way he sets the bar for us, culture-wise, work ethic-wise, just as a teammate.
"He's an incredible teammate, plays unselfishly, does everything. And I think that's kind of what the MVP is, so we certainly feel like he's very deserving, and we'll be excited to support him."
Antetokounmpo was arguably better this season than during his 2018-19 MVP campaign. Through 57 games, the Greek Freak averaged career highs in points (29.6 per game) and rebounds (13.7) while playing nearly two minutes less per contest than last season.
The four-time All-Star is the only player ranked within the top three in scoring and rebounding.
Antetokounmpo also has a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year. The 25-year-old leads all players in defensive rating and defensive win shares, according to Basketball Reference.
Only Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon have won MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors in the same season.