No one was a bigger breakout star last season than Giannis Antetokounmpo. While always heralded as a high ceiling player, Antetokounmpo took his skills to the next level in 2016-17, leading his Milwaukee Bucks to the playoffs where they gave the Toronto Raptors a bitter fight.
Now, Antetokounmpo has been awarded for his incredible play. The long-limbed forward was given the 2017 NBA Most Improved Player Award at the inaugural NBA Awards Show on Monday.
Antetokounmpo, who was not present to receive his award as he was in his home country of Greece, earned the award with his phenomenal play all season long.
Giannis averaged 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. All five of those numbers were career-highs for the four-year veteran. All five of those numbers led the Bucks in those categories. This is all not to mention Antetokounmpo’s increased efficiency (he shot 52.1 percent from the field) and stellar defense.
Antetokounmpo’s team and teammates offered their support:
Congrats @Giannis_An34 !! ?#OnlyGoingToGetBetter #NoLimits https://t.co/S150rmqz11
— Matthew Dellavedova (@matthewdelly) June 27, 2017
Congratulations to Giannis Antetokounmpo on the well-deserved award.
