Kicking off the top three of our top 25 player rankings is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar is one of the league’s most dominant stars. Let’s dive into Giannis’ game and his spot on the list.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 3 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
The League’s Best Two-Way Player
Since entering the league in 2013, Giannis has had one of the most unique paths to stardom. The Greek freak blossomed from a project player with raw athleticism into a two-time MVP. Two-way stars have increased in value over recent years, and Giannis is the league’s best two-way star. Giannis is the only player who has a case as a top-three offensive and defensive player. Offensively, he is a consistent 30-point scorer and a dominant interior presence with ungodly athleticism. Furthermore, Giannis is a great playmaker and ball-handler for his size. Defensively, Giannis is highly versatile and impactful. He can guard several positions while offering elite rim protection with his athleticism and size. This combination of rim protection and versatility is extremely rare. Notably, Giannis is the only active player with an MVP and DPOY. Ultimately, Giannis’ skill set and physical traits make him one of the dominant players of all time.
’00 Shaquille O’Neal: 763 Rim FGA—74.8%
’24 Giannis Antetokounmpo: 853—77.5%
Both led the league in Rim FGA by a landslide while leading in rim FG% among players with at least 400 rim FGA. Everyone on the court knows what they want to do, but nobody can stop them. Dominance. pic.twitter.com/Qk7y8EKNlP
— NBA University (@NBA_University) August 12, 2024
Season Recap
The first season of the Giannis and Damian Lillard pairing did not go as planned. The Bucks’ defense plummeted from fourth to 19th. Additionally, the Bucks fired first-year head coach Adrian Griffin in the middle of the season, replacing him with Doc Rivers. However, the Bucks posted a better record with Griffin. The three-seed Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers. For the second straight playoffs, the Bucks were first-round exits, and Giannis was injured this time around his injury kept him sidelined for the duration of the series. Notably, Dame was also injured for a portion of this series.
While the Bucks’ overall season was disappointing, Giannis put together another stellar individual season. Giannis posted averages of 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. He was named to first-team All-NBA for the sixth straight year and finished fourth in MVP voting. Impressively, Giannis became the first player in NBA history to average 30-plus points on 60-plus percent shooting from the field. Giannis also ranked fourth in plus/minus and third in win shares. Ultimately, a disappointing season from the Bucks overshadowed another great season from Giannis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s HISTORIC 2023-24 regular season has come to an end:
30.4 PPG
11.5 RPG
6.5 APG
61.1 FG%Giannis is now officially the FIRST player in NBA history to average 30 PPG on 60 FG% in a season. I hope he’s back for the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/UH1NatCDHj
— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) April 10, 2024
Season Outlook
The Bucks opted not to make any major changes this offseason, their biggest move was signing Gary Trent Jr. as Malik Beasley’s replacement. Furthermore, they signed Taurean Prince and Delon Wright and drafted AJ Johnson. While Johnson is a project prospect, Prince and Wright could make solid contributions off the bench. Regardless, the Bucks will be mainly counting on internal improvements to regain their status as contenders. The Bucks’ defense is still a massive concern, as is their aging roster. At 36, Brook Lopez could begin to rapidly decline while Khris Middleton (33) is already dealing with injury problems.
The Bucks will depend on another excellent season from Giannis as well as a bounce-back year from Dame to become contenders. With improvements from the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic, it is difficult to see the Bucks be any higher than a three-seed. Giannis will surely put up some mind-boggling numbers and earn plenty of individual awards however, it’s unclear if this be enough to propel the Bucks into contention. Overall, the Bucks have never been more dependent on Giannis, and even if he goes supernova, it might be enough for the Bucks to truly compete.
The Last Word
Admittedly, it’s a toss-up between three and two for Giannis. His elite two-way play gives him a clear case as the league’s second-best player. However, Giannis’ recent playoff injuries hurt his case. Regardless, Giannis is one of the league’s most productive, consistent, and dominant stars.
Keep up with our top 25 list here.
