Giannis Antetokounmpo snubbed in ESPN’s latest best-player poll

Nikola Jokic has proven himself as one of the league’s greats, with three MVP awards highlighting his dominance. Even so, the poll paints the picture of a huge gap between him and Giannis Antetokounmpo, a gap that simply does not exist. Many could make a strong case for Giannis as the best player in the world, but ESPN’s voters chose not to recognize him in that conversation.

Strangely enough, despite being no worse than a top-three player in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo is starting to look underrated. He has averaged more than 30 points while shooting over 60 percent from the field in consecutive seasons. During that same stretch, he also posted a career-high 6.5 assists per game, all while continuing to anchor the floor defensively.

The Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo proving the doubters wrong

It is hardly shocking. The same network recently predicted in another poll that the Milwaukee Bucks would experience the sharpest drop of any NBA team. Analysts have made it clear they are not sold on the Bucks entering the 2025-26 season. Their lack of recent success plays a part, but injuries have driven those struggles, a fact that often gets brushed aside.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks can only silence the critics the way they did in 2021—by winning. Analysts can argue endlessly about how the roster looks on paper, but the truth will be revealed when the team takes the court. This reshaped squad has the talent and toughness to stun the NBA once more.

Naturally, everything begins with no. 34, the overlooked superstar. With no other proven star beside him this season, the Greek Freak will need to elevate his game to an even higher level.

If the Milwaukee Bucks find any real success, he has a strong chance to capture his third MVP, especially with so many recent polls casting doubt on the team.