It’s The Freak’s World
In 2021 the Milwaukee Bucks shocked the NBA world when they knocked off KD and the Nets in seven games and went on to beat the Phoenix Suns claiming their first championship in 50 years. When Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a 50-point performance in game six to secure the title, he not only gave Bucks fans something to remember but possibly something to look forward to as well. In an era where sports analysts tend to zoom in and react to the now, let’s zoom out and look at what this could mean in the future. Following the win for the Bucks, the super-team Nets and Lakers reloaded by adding a multitude of all-star and MVP caliber players. Even the most optimistic of NBA fans would admit that if healthy, the 2022 championship is sure to be won by one of those two teams. But with Lebron turning 37 this season and Kevin Durant turning 33 along with recent nagging injuries, this era of dominance can realistically only last for a few more seasons. In three years, Lebron will be 40 and Durant 36; ages that they can certainly be effective, yet unlikely to carry teams the way they do now. On the flip side, the league isn’t deprived of young stars. The emergence of guys like Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, and others, shows that the league will be in great hands. The question is, who will be the one to sit atop the hill and be the team to beat year in and year out. My prediction: The Greek Freak and his Milwaukee Bucks At just 26 he has his first ring and Finals MVP under his belt to go along with two league MVP awards. Throughout the 2021 playoff run, Giannis showed a new level of his game to cement himself as possibly the best player in the world right now. In addition, he is signed through the next four years. However, differing from some of these super teams who are like a revolving door, Giannis’ key sidekicks, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are also locked in with Milwaukee for at least the next four years. In this same supposed three-year gap, Giannis will be just turning 29, Middleton 33, and Holiday 35 respectively. Not to mention the trio already knows what it takes to get to the finish line. A scary thought for the rest of the league considering that at just 26, Giannis likely may not have even reached his peak yet. Combined with Middleton’s elite shot-making, and Jrue Holiday’s lockdown defense, this crew could hoist another couple of Championship trophies before it’s all said and done.