NBA Analyst Picks Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Current MVP Frontrunner After LeBron James’ Injury

The second half of the 2020-21 NBA regular-season is going on at an electric pace, and a lot of players are standing out with their sublime displays. The MVP race is heating up since we’re almost heading towards the finish. Here’s a quick question: Does Giannis Antetokounmpo stand a chance this time? 

A lot of people think he does, but others think there’s no way. Only three players have ever won the MVP award for three consecutive seasons. It is quite complex to determine if Antetokounmpo can join Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird in this elite list. 

If you ask a Milwaukee Bucks fan, the answer would be obvious. But here’s a different opinion. What does player-turned analyst Jalen Rose have to say about the claims?

Jalen Rose is placing Giannis Antetokounmpo as his #1 contender for 2021 MVP

That’s a bit of a shock, isn’t it? A month ago, Giannis Antetokounmpo was nowhere near the MVP conversation, but all of a sudden, he’s emerged as the favorite. That’s just how competitive this league is. 

Jalen Rose hosts a podcast on ESPN along with David Jacoby, and the former NBA player recently gave his take on the current MVP race.

“This looks like Giannis’ trophy to win and everybody else finished second. [He’s] the all-star game MVP and the back-to-back reigning MVP. His numbers are just as comparable, if not better. He’s now getting triple-doubles, Jrue Holiday is balling when he’s out and I’m like ‘wait a minute, Giannis has a chance if he can stay healthy the remainder of the year to be the constant choice’,” Rose mentioned. 

Rose indeed has a strong belief that Antetokounmpo can do it this season. He’s currently averaging 29.0 points per game, which is the third-best in the league. ‘The Greek Freak’ is on a mission and has been putting up 31.0 PPG and 11.0 RPG in his last ten games. 

Furthermore, injuries to top MVP candidates have helped Antetokounmpo’s case. The 26-year-old now needs to stay injury-free and guide the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the Eastern Conference. 

There is a sudden surge in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s form. Do you think he will win his third successive MVP award? 

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