Nigerians in NBA

Giannis becomes the 2nd Nigerian and 3rd person ever to win MVP and DPOY in the same season

Giannis Antetokounmpo has joined an exclusive list of just three athletes who have won the NBA regular most valuable player and the defensive player of the year award in the same season.

The Nigerian born Greek international was declared the defensive player of the year early this month and today he was awarded the most valuable player.

Antetokounmpo averaged 29.5 point per game, 13.6 rebound per game and 5.6 assist per game during the regular season as Milwaukee Bucks finished the regular season as franchise with the best record.

Born Adetokunbo, he joins Hakeem Olajunwon another Nigerian on the list of players who won the most valuable player and the defensive player of the year award in the same season.

Only three players have ever done that, the third person is the great Michael Jordan.

In fact, Michael Jordan who won in the (1987-88) was the first person ever, then Hakeem Olajuwon (1993-94) and now Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis Antetokounmpo also becomes the latest since Stephen Curry to win back-to-back MVP title.

While he had a great regular season, his injury caused his side a place in the final as they crashed 4-1 to Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semi finals.

He also becomes just the fourth player after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Steve Nash and LeBron James on the list of to win consecutive MVPs and not reach the finals in either season.

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