Giannis Antetokounmpo: Steph Curry is the 'best player in the world'

Preparing for the start of his tenth NBA season, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is widely considered one of the best players in the entire NBA. 

One could argue that Antetokounmpo is the league's top player, with a plethora of accolades, including an NBA Title in 2020-2021, two MVP awards, and six-consecutive All-Star nods to prove it.

On Sunday, speaking at Bucks' media day, reporters asked Giannis his thoughts on the matter. 

"Do I believe I'm one of the best players in the league in the way I help my team be great and win games? Yeah, I do," Antetokounmpo said. "I'm mature enough. I'm old enough to understand that." 

The always humble Antetokounmpo admitted there was a time he thought he could be the best but now believes it's another two-time MVP, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry. 

"Do I believe I'm the best in the world?" Antetokounmpo continued. "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 games and become a champion.

"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. 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."

Antetokounmpo had another standout campaign in 2021-2022 for the Bucks.

Last season, he filled up the stat sheet, averaging 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals over 67 regular-season games. 

Antetokounmpo stepped it up in the postseason, leading Milwaukee to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they fell in seven games to the Boston Celtics. In 12 playoff games, Antetokounmpo averaged 31.7 points, 14.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks over 12 playoff games.