Giannis Antetokounmpo praises Anthony Edwards as relentless force

On September 23, Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke with Greek outlet Sport24, covering topics spanning the NBA and international basketball. He discussed what fans enjoy watching and described the kind of players he respects, singling out Paul George, also known as “Ant-Man.”

“My preference has always been to see a player who will not only be a good player, but will also be an example for his teammates in behavior. It’s not enough to just score baskets. To be a leader, it also counts in the locker room how you are and on the bus, and when you eat as a team, how you are, how you behave. Anyway, whoever has the best year will be the best player. My preference is two-way players. I like one player, Anthony Edwards. I like him a lot,” remarked the Bucks superstar.

Three-time All-Star Anthony Edwards reached new personal bests last season, putting up 27.6 points per game while hitting 39.5% of his 3-pointers, steering the Timberwolves to their second straight trip to the Western Conference Finals. His dominant play secured him a back-to-back spot on the All-NBA Second Team.

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo included Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard among his favorites for their impact on both ends of the court. He admires players who bring relentless effort every moment they step on the floor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards MVP chances next season

On September 22, ESPN rolled out a survey probing predictions and key questions for the upcoming season. Tim Bontemps tapped 20 executives, coaches, and scouts to weigh in on potential MVPs, the league’s top players, and other major storylines.

For the 2026 NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic topped the list with seven votes, edging out reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who drew five. Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Edwards also received mentions, with Antetokounmpo and Edwards each getting a single vote.

Edwards, however, stood out with a brighter projection, ranking second to Steph Curry as the “Best American Player Right Now” and earning the “Best American Player by 2030” distinction.

Giannis has turned his attention back to the NBA as the Bucks kick off training camp on September 29, gearing up for their regular-season opener against the Washington Wizards on October 22. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves are set to start their training camp in October.