Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokic: who deserves to win MVP? As the debate heats up, dividing fanbases, one superstar seems to be flying under the radar. As the conversation rages between Jokic and Shai, Giannis Antentokounpo is quietly putting together one of the most dominant seasons of his career.

In a commanding performance against the Dallas Mavericks, Antetokounmpo posted 32 points and 15 rebounds—his 24th 30-point game of the season. He is currently the NBA’s second-leading scorer and ranks fifth in rebounds, all while maintaining the highest efficiency among the league’s top scorers. Yet, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers believes the two-time MVP isn’t getting the recognition he deserves.

“I feel like it’s going unnoticed. I mean, you can put his numbers up against anybody in the league this year; you really can. Then when you factor in that he plays on both sides of the ball as well to me, he’s like a groundhog that he does it every day the same thing and I think at times we do take it for granted,” Rivers admitted.

Antetokounmpo’s dominance isn’t just about personal accolades—it’s about his unwavering commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite ongoing speculation about his future, Rivers insists that Giannis remains devoted to the franchise.

“I think that’s what makes him such a unique player. He was drafted by the Bucks, he’s won a title with the Bucks and he’s still a Buck. And he wants to be. He loves the town, loves the people, people love him back. He’s made this a place where people want to come you know in a lot of ways in play just says so much about him,” the Bucks HC noted.

His loyalty has been a constant topic of discussion, especially with teams like the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat reportedly keeping tabs on him. Antetokounmpo has previously stated that he would leave if the Bucks stopped competing at a high level. However, if Rivers’ words hold true, Giannis remains confident in the team’s direction, giving no immediate reason to consider leaving.

Giannis Antetokounmp is so much more than a force of nature

For the Bucks organization and its fanbase, hearing that their franchise cornerstone remains committed is reassuring. But Giannis is more than just a loyal superstar—he is the driving force behind the team’s success.

The Bucks went through a huge crisis after starting the season 2-8. Amidst such a rut, Giannis Antetokounmpo took the responsibility of elevating his game. They now sit 11 games above .500, but basketball games aren’t won through a single player. The first 10 games cast doubts about the Bucks. As the leader, not only has the former Finals MVP set a precedent of being unyielding, but he has galvanized his teammates.

“He’s as low maintenance as any forget the stars, any player I’ve been around. I love his spirit, like I know the basketball part is great. He has this pure heart, you know. I told him like Kevin Garnett would be the one, like they’re so similar in that regard. They’re so different in a lot of ways, but in that, you know everything that he says when he says it to the team is only about the right thing. That really helps everybody else on his team become better players too,” Rivers added on Antetokounmpo’s personality.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is truly full of life. In the locker room, he is goofy at times, enabling his teammates to never lose confidence. At the helm of a franchise that expects to compete, he has transformed the culture. The Bucks will go as far as Antetokounmpo takes them. Having Damian Lillard gives the team a greater chance.

But the nucleus remains the Greek Freak.