The NBA regular season has come to an end, and with it, the race for this season’s MVP, but Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to have been left out this time.
The Milwaukee Bucks power forward wasn’t featured in the last game against the Toronto Raptors, which indicates many things. He won two MVP awards in the previous seasons, but the hunger for more is still there.
In an interview with Bleacher Report, Giannis shared his feelings about being the season’s MVP and his desire for the honor.
What did Giannis Antetokounmpo say?
The 28-year-old star was surprised with a special award for his achievement and contribution to the franchise in every season. The tribute video with him in the center of the court prior to the game made a heartwarming moment in the Fiserv Forum.
The BR’s Chris Haynes was able to get an exclusive interview from the 2021 NBA champion after the occasion. There, he expressed his desire for the MVP award and shared his perspective.
“Do I want a third MVP? Hell fu*#*ng yeah I want a third one. I am extremely competitive. I try to make my team successful,” the Greek Freak became hyped. “That’s what I get paid for. That’s what I’m here for.”
A @BleacherReport exclusive with an uncorked Giannis Antetokounmpo who shared his thoughts on MVP narratives: “I believe the last five years I've been the MVP…I will never beg for an MVP award that I believe I deserve.” https://t.co/vGfIqIKO7P
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 9, 2023
“I’m never going to be one who discredits anybody else’s work. That’s not who I am as a person. And I will never beg for an MVP award that I believe I deserve,” the seven-time all-star added. “I’m very proud that I’m able to play at an MVP level because that means I’m making my team very successful. That’s the goal.”
It appears the buck PF is still hungover with the craving for achievement and recognition, but this year, it might have gone out of his now. The Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid and the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic engaged in a two-dimensional battle at the end of the regular season.
Besides that, Antetokounmpo has produced one of the best seasons in his career so far, scoring on average 31.1 points with 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game in 63 appearances. “Two of the MVPs I won in the last five years, those were my two worst seasons,” the 7-footer also claims to be in his peak moment.
Do you think Giannis Antetokounmpo should get the MVP? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
