Giannis Antetokounmpo is more than qualified to let the world know who the best player on the planet is. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo names best player, and it's not LeBron James

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Charles Kruger | Last updated 1/8/22

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a world champion and the reigning NBA Finals MVP. His credentials speak for themselves.

Although a lot of people have weighed in on the topic of who is the best player in the world right now, few are as qualified to give an opinion as he is.

So when Antetokounmpo did so on Friday night, it caused quite the stir.

Following the Milwaukee Bucks’ win over the Brooklyn Nets, Antetokounmpo gave his honest thoughts on who the best basketball player in the world is right now.

“KD is the best player in the world… he has showed it in the past, he’s showing it right now… I’m just trying to get better.” pic.twitter.com/iUmN38QwBj

— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) January 8, 2022

“KD’s the best player in the world,” Antetokounmpo told Cassidy Hubbarth.

“He’s showed in the past, he’s showing it right now. I’m just trying to get better.”

Obviously Antetokounmpo was just being modest after his Bucks emerged victorious from their matchup against Durant, but his words still carry meaning. If you want to believe that he considers himself the true best basketball player in the world, the fact that he views Durant and not LeBron James as the next best is telling.

The topic of who is better between Durant and James has been a popular one in recent weeks. NBA legend Scottie Pippen also weighed in on it. As has ESPN NBA personality Stephen A. Smith.

Coincidentally, when Durant was with the Golden State Warriors, his then-head coach Steve Kerr told him to be more like James. Now he has surpassed him in the eyes of many. Funny how that works.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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