Antetokounmpo MVP, Siakam MIP

This NBA season was doubtlessly an unforgettable vintage for Africa. After Toronto’s champion title (4-2 against the Golden State Warriors) and a first ring for Pascal Siakam (Cameroon), Serge Ibaka (Congo) and OG Anunoby (Nigeria), the NBA awards were also a credit to the continent. Giannis Antetokounmpo won the MVP (Most Valuable Player) trophy and was consequently rewarded for his accomplished season with the Milwaukee Bucks (60 victories and 22 defeats, ending up first of Eastern Conference before teams like Toronto, Philadelphia and Boston).

The Greek forward, Nigerian roots, finished the 2018/2019 season with an average of 27,7 points, 12,5 rebounds and 5,3 assists, some statistics he had never reached before. His team fell against the Raptors in the Eastern Finals (4-2 for Toronto) after having led 2-0 in the series.

The Greek Freak is merely the third non-American player to win such a distinction. Before him, Canadian point guard Steve Nash in 2005 and 2006, and German power forward Dirk Nowitzki in 2007, had grabbed the trophy. It is an interesting and encouraging message for all those players who wish to go to the best basketball league in the world, a few days after the draft. The United States have great talents, but the rest of the world has its word to say as well!

The MIP (Most Improved Player) title was given to Pascal Siakam, who achieved the best season in his career and leaves with two major distinctions, a collective one and an individual one. The native from Douala cumulated 16,9 points and 6,9 rebounds this season. He always responded present in both regular season and playoffs, sharing points with Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry. Either offensively or defensively, the Cameroonian power forward did not hide and confirmed what looked like a pleasant surprise in the beginning. The so called confirmation year will come fast, but this player seems to ignore fear.

By Guillaume Mahot

Africa Global News Publication