NBA Insider gives one key condition for Giannis Antetokounmpo to win MVP award, ‘has not done in a long time…’

Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to play 75 games or more to win MVP award

Antetokounmpo has had injuries during playoffs for several years now and this is one of the reasons behind the Bucks’ recent struggles.

He has been solid in the regular season, but last played over 75 games in 2017.

With the team already lacking options, the Bucks will need Antetokounmpo not only to be at his best, but also to be available for all their games.

Tim Bontemps stated that Antetokounmpo could average ‘astronomical numbers,’ but he believed that the Greek Freak would have to play over 75 games and lead the team to a respective finish in the Eastern Conference to win the MVP award.

He said: “If Giannis can play 75+ games, which he obviously has not done in a long time, he’s got a chance to win the MVP because he’s going to put up astronomical numbers and if he does that they could finish 3rd or 4th, they could win a lot of games and he could get a lot of credit for that sort of like the Russell Westbrook MVP season, it’s not exactly the same, but it’s got some parallels.

“That’s assuming he can hold up under that load of playing time and player usage cause he had an insane usage down the stretch of the season and any game he misses, they’re probably gonna be pretty heavy favorites to lose.”

Antetokounmpo will be key to their chances

Antetokounmpo has been solid for the Bucks since they drafted him. The player has averaged a double-double for eight years now and during this time has won multiple individual awards.

He also helped the Bucks win their first championship in 50 years, but since then things have not looked great for the franchise.

Their core players kept getting injured by the time of the playoffs, which led to early round exits, but through it all Antetokounmpo has been brilliant.

Next season, the Bucks are not likely to have the best record in the East, but with Antetokounmpo on their side, they still are going to be a difficult side to beat.

The two-time MVP will be the player to watch out for, but the Bucks also have the likes of Turner and Kyle Kuzma, who have a lot to prove next season.

If both of these players perform well for the team, the Bucks could have a chance to make a deep playoff run in the East.