Giannis Antetokounmpo Reveals Unusual Pick for Best NBA Player
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo beside head caoch Doc Rivers
One of the most popular NBA debates is regarding who the best player currently in the league is. At this point, it is usually between the same few players. Nikola Jokic is a one-time champion and is the reigning MVP, the third such honor of his career. Joel Embiid is arguably the most dominant player in the league when healthy. LeBron James is still a top player in the league despite playing in the NBA for two decades. Additionally, there are many other notable players like Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, and Kevin Durant, to name a few. However, another one of these top players, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, recently revealed his pick for the best player in the league. While not entirely bold, it is a bit of an interesting pick, to say the least.
In a recent interview with Complex Sports, Antetokounmpo named reigning NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown the best player in the league. Antetokoumpo, an NBA Finals MVP himself, noted that Brown was the best player on the Boston Celtics during their Finals run last season. This was his rationale for naming the Georgia native the best player in the league.
“I feel like the best player is the guy that wins a championship, wins it all, and [is] the best player on his team,” Antetokounmpo said. “So the best player in the NBA, probably I would say Jaylen Brown.
“Because you cannot have your best player if you’re on a team who didn’t win. It doesn’t matter if you got the MVP or you’re All-NBA. If you don’t make your team win, you’re not the best.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo Says Jaylen Brown Is the Best NBA Player
Evaluating Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Comments
There is no denying that Brown is a top player in the NBA. He is an elite two-way player who was arguably the Celtics’ best player in the NBA Finals last season. Brown contributes on both sides at a high level and might only get better from here on out. However, calling him the best player in the league is a bit strange. In theory, though, Antetokounmpo’s justification makes sense. Brown was named the NBA Finals MVP last season and was, given this accomplishment, the best player on the best team. Still, it is a bit of an interesting move from the Bucks star to put Brown over some of the other top players in the league, including himself.
The Last Word
Last night was the first time Brown played an official NBA game since winning Finals MVP. In what turned out to be a blowout against the New York Knicks, Brown did not disappoint. Two days before his 28th birthday, in 30 minutes, Brown recorded 23 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Additionally, despite shooting a poor 38.9% from the field, Brown was fantastic on the perimeter, going 5-for-9 (55.6%) from beyond the arc.
Brown remains a top player on the best team in the league. The Celtics won 64 games last season and went 16-3 in the playoffs. However, there is a legitimate reason to believe they will be even better this year due to their continuity. Brown already has one championship on his resume. It would not be a shock if he added another next year
Elie is a sports journalist who specializes in covering NBA News and Rumors. He graduated from UMass Lowell in 2021 with an English degree and a concentration in Journalism/Professional Writing.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench
Warriors’ Stephen Curry Only Has 1 Goal In Mind Before Retiring
The Golden State Warriors have won four championships during the Stephen Curry saga. Structuring their offense around Curry’s unparalleled combination of range, precision, and endurance,
Mar 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; General view of the shoes worn by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Bulls Had No ‘Meaningful Negotiations’ With Projected Starter
At the beginning of the offseason, the Chicago Bulls made a shocking trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bulls shipped out defensive ace Alex
LeBron James and his son Bronny played together in the Lakers season opener.
LeBron and Bronny Share a Historic Moment in Season Opener
LeBron James was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers 20 years ago when his son, Bronny James, was born. Now in his 22nd season, LeBron has
Miami Heat Set To Utilize Tyler Herro In Specific Role
Tyler Herro has undergone a transformation in both his mindset and his role within the Miami Heat. Initially reluctant about being primarily utilized as a
The New Orleans Pelicans The Most Snake Bitten NBA Franchise This Decade? Pels Interested In Filling Roster After Recent Injury News
October 24, 2024
New Orleans Pelicans can’t catch a break as Dejounte Murray is slated to be sidelined for an extended period after an MRI confirmed that the star combo guard fractured his hand, per ESPN’s Shams Chanaria reported earlier this morning. “Tests confirm a fractured left hand for Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, sources tell ESPN. Murray is now sidelined for an extended period of time.” According to Charania, Murray appeared to sustain or aggravate the injury late in the fourth quarter of the Pelicans win over Chicago. With just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Murray attempted a 3-pointer from […]
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team during a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Paycom Center.
Getting Off to a Fast Start Will be Crucial For The Thunder
October 24, 2024
The Oklahoma City Thunder are among the favorites to be the first seed in the Western Conference this year. They begin what they hope will be a long and successful season against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Getting off to a fast start like they did last year could be crucial for them in the long run. Teams like the 2010 Heat, among others, have had successful seasons even if they struggled right out of the gate. However, given how deep and strong the Western Conference is, getting off to a fast start will be more beneficial. Getting Off to […]
Warriors locker room is led by Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr
Warriors Superstar Praises ‘Beautiful Locker Room’
October 24, 2024
Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry showered his team with praise after their 35-point season opener win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday evening. The Dubs will begin a new era without Klay Thompson from here on out. Much has been made about how far the Warriors can go or how they’ll look without their former future Hall of Fame sharpshooter. Nevertheless, with one win in the books, Curry appears as excited as ever. Warriors Superstar Steph Curry Shows Love To His Teammates After Season Opener Solid Culture, No Ego, Says Steph Curry A ‘beautiful locker room,’ that’s how Warriors superstar Steph Curry put […]
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena.
Pistons Show Progress Despite Their Season-Opening Loss
October 24, 2024
The Detroit Pistons entered their 2024-25 NBA season opener with renewed optimism, fueled by key offseason moves to reshape the roster. In front of a sold-out crowd, they showcased flashes of potential on both ends of the court—but also revealed reminders of why they finished last in the league just a season ago. Offensively, the Pistons moved the ball well, made sharp decisions, and consistently found open shooters. Defensively, they played with intensity and effort, making it tough for the Indiana Pacers to find easy looks. However, in the second half, Indiana cranked up the pressure, and Detroit faltered down […]
Top Big Ten Breakout Players for 2024-25
October 24, 2024
The Big Ten certainly lacks pizzaz going into the 2024-25 basketball season, but plenty of players can become breakout stars this season. Sure, Purdue returns Braden Smith, who started to take off last season as the playmaker, setting up Zach Edey en route to a National Championship Game appearance. You can also bring up the ultimate talent pool haul that both Indiana and Ohio State were able to pull from the transfer portal. Not to mention the complete 180 that Michigan has made thus far under Dusty May. All 18 teams in the Big Ten have some talent on their […
