By Dionysis Aravantinos/ info@eurohoops.net
The rookies, Lauri Markkanen and Bogdan Bogdanovic, have been impressive for their respective teams, playing solid minutes and contributing with their scoring and unique skills. Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Vucevic, Marc Gasol, Dennis Schröder, Donatas Sabonis, Nikola Jokic and Evan Fournier have also started the 2017-2018 NBA season on a high note.
However, the story so far has been Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has had a phenomenal start to his fifth year in the NBA, winning Player of the Week honors in Week 1. Eurohoops, brings you the five best European NBA players who have had a great start to their year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo / Milwaukee Bucks
- Stats: 31.3 PPG, 10.6 RPG
- Team Record: 4-4
After winning the Player of the Week award after the first days of action in the League, Giannis is making a case for winning the MVP award. Leading the NBA in scoring (!) with 31.3 points per game, the ‘Greek Freak’ is also averaging 10.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 block while shooting an exceptional 60% from the field. The 22-year old forward is also first in the PER (Player Efficiency Rating) with 31.3.
His numbers alone are just incredible, but what he offers to the table for this Bucks’ team is more than that. His length, ability to post up, defend the best player on the opposing side, run the court in transition but also draw double-teams and pass the ball to the open man, makes him a great all-around player. After two weeks in the NBA, the Greek international wants to make a statement that he is a contender for the MVP trophy this season. If he improves his shooting, Giannis will be unstoppable for defenses.