When discussing the best players in the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name is rightfully always in the conversation. The two-time Most Valuable Player recently landed at No. 1 in ESPN’s annual list of top 100 NBA players.
Before the 2022-23 season tips off, Antetokounmpo was asked his opinion on the NBA’s best player conversation at Milwaukee Bucks media day.
While humbly passing over his place in the rankings for best player in the league, the Bucks’ star forward shared praise for Steph Curry. After the Warriors secured the 2022 NBA championship, Antetokounmpo coined the reigning NBA Finals MVP as the current best player in the world.
Do I believe that I’m one of the best players in the league in the way I help my team be great and win games? It’s efficient and effective. Yeah, I do. I’m mature enough. I’m old enough to understand that. Do I believe I’m the best in the world? No. I think the best player in the world is the person that is the last one standing, the person that takes his team to the finish line and helps them win the game. Win games and become champions.
Two years ago when we did that, yeah, when I was sleeping in my bed, I was like, ‘Ah yeah, maybe I’m the best player in the world.’ You know? But now, no. In my opinion, the way I view it, the winner is the best. The guy who wins is the best. …
I believe that the best player in the world is Steph Curry until the next player.
Via @NBA on Twitter:
"I think the best player in the world is the person that's the last one standing."
Giannis on his confidence, growth, and maturity. #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/RxXbRRis3S
— NBA (@NBA) September 25, 2022
Between Curry and Antetokounmpo, the duo has five championships, four MVPs and 14 All-Star appearances. Any debate, ranking or praise that involves Curry and Antetokounmpo should be held in high regard.
On the Warriors’ run to a title in 2022, Curry averaged 25.5 points on 43.7% shooting from the field, with 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds per contest.
Curry and Antetokounmpo will face off for the first time in the 2022-23 season when the Bucks host the defending champs at Fiserv Forum on Dec. 13 in Milwaukee.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
