Giannis Antetokounmpo: No 1 in NBA | Is Lebron Still the best player in the NBA?

Most sports enthusiasts have been left stunned by the rapid rise of the young and talented Giannis Antetokounmpo. Moreover, the integral question is —Is LeBron James still the best player in the NBA?

At age 25, a time when most NBA players are trying to find their place and take their game to the next level, Giannis Antetokounmpo looks set to out-perform, if not add to, the amazing feats of arguably the greatest basketball player off all time - LeBron James. Not only is Giannis already a household name, but he is rapidly making a case to be considered one of the best sporting talents the world has ever seen.

Is Giannis the Best Player in the NBA?

The answer to this question seemingly lies in the public opinion and personal opinions of professionals who accept the challenge of providing unbiased commentary.

Giannis’ exceptional performance over the last few years has been undeniable and has been an example of what the current competitive level of the NBA is. His impact on the game and his team’s success speaks volumes of his greatness and makes for a strong case on why he should be considered as the best player in the league.

LeBron's career thus far paints a different picture and his leadership qualities still hold strong. He has earned the respect of numerous current and former players throughout the basketball world. His records and individual awards over the years make for an impressive resume and his longevity speaks volumes of his greatness.

In this ongoing debate, it is hard to argue that either player is definitively the better one because one can only compare apples to apples. Yet, a majority of NBA fans and analysts are confident that Giannis’ dominance is going to take him to the top of the list of greats.

The Rapid Rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo

In 2013, he began his professional career. In NBA draft, Milawaukee Bucks chose Giannis as 15th. During the past seven years, Giannis has steadily learning his craft, improving each season, and establishing himself as one of the elite players in the league.

The meteoric rise of his career truly climaxed during the 2019–20 season, when he averaged 29.5 points per game, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 1.0 steals and a league-leading 1.0 blocks, winning the 2019–20 MVP (Most Valuable Player) title in the process.

What Makes Giannis Special?

It is not only the sheer number of points, rebounds, assists, and blocks that Giannis is capable of garnering that make him a special player—it is the sportsmanship and adaptability that is on show when the cameras are on him. Giannis has made a name for himself as an incredibly versatile player—able to play any position on the court, except the center. His three-point shooting is improving, his post up defense intimidating, and his ball movement good; all traits that make him a star in the league.

Furthermore, he has got achievements that put him among the best athlete all over the world. In the past 2 seasons, he has got 1 Defensive Player of the Year award and 2 MVP awards, an achievement that no player has ever earned outside of Michael Jordan in the history of the game. Giannis’s constant and unbelievable play has set the Bucks to the top of the league and made them a Championship contender at all.

Undoubtedly, the 6’11” forward is an amazing two-way player who can do it all on the court. He is an incredible playmaker, rebounder, and scorer, while also being an elite defender and shot blocker. His unique combination of size, strength and skills has allowed him to dominate both ends of the floor and make him a nightmare for opponents.

The Verdict on LeBron Vs Giannis

It is clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA; however, it's still too early to crown him the ‘greatest of all time’. Despite a few impressive-looking stats, the true judge of any player’s skill is the number of championships he wins.

LeBron James has a clear advantage here, with more championship rings and finals appearances than Giannis. He is a well-known global brand and probably the most recognizable athlete in history, so it could be argued that, at this stage in his career, Giannis must achieve more to be considered the best player in the league.

The showdown between Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James is one that will continue to spark debate amongst NBA fans for many more years. However it is complex to say who the irrefutable greatest player in the game is, there is no denying that Giannis is one of the greatest players in the history of the game today. Furthermore, he has certainly made his mark as one of the best players in history with his dominant play, accomplishments and leadership qualities. However, analysts will see how his career develops from here, but one thing is for sure: Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to create a legacy for himself that will last for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many MVP titles has Giannis won in the history of NBA?

In 2019-2020, he won one MVP title, as well as two All-Star game selections. In 2020, he has also won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo the greatest player in the National Basketball Association?

While Giannis is one of the greatest players in the NBA, he is not yet the best. LeBron James has more championship rings and is a more recognizable brand, so Giannis must get more in order to achieve the best player title.

What made Giannis special?

Giannis is an extremely all-around player, competent to play any position on the court with an amazing post-up defence, three-point shooting, as well as ball movement. He is also famous for his flexibility, sportsmanship, and other exclusive characteristics.