What would another NBA title mean for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s legacy?

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks n against the Sacramento Kings in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on March 16, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

It has been an exhilarating NBA postseason thus far for us basketball fans, and one of the premier players at the heart of it all is none other than Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks made easy work of the Chicago Bulls, despite his co-star Khris Middleton going down in Game 2 with an MCL injury. An injury that will keep him out for the whole series against the current opponent in the semifinal round, the Boston Celtics.

In Game 1 against the Celtics, Giannis posted a triple-double, accumulating 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. To put his numbers into some context, he did struggle shooting the ball from the field, shooting just 9-of-25 (36%) from the floor, missing easy layups he usually makes, and his jumper wasn’t falling as well. He also had an uncharacteristic five turnovers in Game 1, with three of those coming in the opening quarter.

What would another NBA title mean for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s legacy?

Despite his struggles, Giannis still impacted the game in numerous ways. Whether it was locking down the paint and being the elite defensive anchor he is, making it tough on the Celtics’ star wings in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, or consistently penetrating into the lane and kicking out to open shooters such as Bobby Portis, Jrue Holiday, and Grayson Allen for wide-open threes.

His ability to impact the game is always present on both ends of the court, even in a game where he was sub-par scoring the ball. This iis why many consider him the best player in the league, including Colin Cowherd of “The Herd.”

Game 2 at TD Garden was a different story, though, as the Celtics made adjustments. They made life a living hell for the Bucks offensively, showing why they have been the best defensive team in the league since the turn of the calendar year, despite the Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, being out with a thigh contusion.

The Greek Freak shot just 11-of-27 (41%) in Game 2. He finished with 28 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists but was -11 in box +/-, compared to +23 in Game 1. Giannis also had six turnovers, something he has really struggled with against the rugged, tough defense of the Celtics.

They have multiple strong, athletic, long defenders to throw at him, including Al Horford, Grant Williams, Robert Williams, and even Tatum or Brown.

Giannis Antetokounmpo will also have to get back to making his free throws as he did in Game 6 of the Finals last season against the Phoenix Suns when he shot 17-of-19 (89%) in the series-clinching game.

But, if the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo can somehow get past the Celtics and the Miami Heat, who would presumably be their opponent in the Conference Finals, this will be his second straight trip to the NBA Finals.

And let’s say, hypothetically, Giannis were to lead the Bucks to another title – what does that ultimately mean for his NBA legacy? Will he become a top 15 player of all time? Some people already have him near that rank. Just ask ESPN.

Adding another title to his resume would make him a two-time champion, a two-time MVP, a DPOY, with numerous All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, and he’d only be 27 years of age.

Adding another title would certainly put him above Kevin Durant on the all-time list, as well as over guys such as Stephen Curry, Oscar Robertson, Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett, and others.

Some could even argue that he would be a top-10 player ever if he pulls it off, even though I think he would need at least another title or MVP to get into that vaunted top 10.

It has been a fascinating career to witness over the years for the “Greek Freak,” and with his incredible work ethic, it will be exciting to see where he ultimately resides amongst the greats once his career is completed.