The last seven MVP awards have been won by a non-American and analysts think it will stay that way in the next few years. Can ab American player steal it? Jayson Tatum might be that guy since according to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, he is the best local player right now.
The Greek Freak has himself on that list together with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, 2025 champion and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics made up his Top 5.
Antetokounmpo’s explanation is simple though. He thinks the best player is from the team that won the title in the past years. Doncic is the only exemption.
“The top five players I think are Luka, Jokic, SGA, Tatum and me,” Antetokounmpo said in an interview with Sport 24.
“And it depends on the year you’re having. So, if I, let’s say, this year go back and I’m improved and I help my team win the East and we go to the Finals and we play against whatever team is there, I automatically become the best player in the world.”
Tatum has been in the league eight times and was an All-Star is six of them. He also made it to the All NBA First Team four times.
Players notably missing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s list
Notably missing on Antetokounmpo’s list is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors who was voted by executives and coaches as the best American player in the league heading into the new season.
He got the most from 20 votes with 11, followed by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Words who got eight. Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers got one vote.
Tatum was not among the options since he is expected to be out for the whole 2025-26 calendar.
Lebron James is also not on Antetokounmpo’s Top 5.
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