Miami Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new fan in future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant
New Miami Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo has millions of fans around the world.
Now, he knows one of his peers is also among one of his favorites. In fact, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant recently said Antetokounmpo is his top player to watch.
“Greek Freak [is] probably the number one guy I like to watch,” Durant said on a podcast. “Greek Freak, I think, is a force and I’ve never seen anything like him. His ceiling, he could be the best player to ever play if he really wanted to. That’s pretty scary to think about, but he’s by far my favorite player to watch.”
That means a lot coming from a player of Durant's talent. He is a two-time NBA champion, a one-time MVP and is regarded as one of the best scorers in league history. This also shows just how important the Antetokounmpo signing was for the Heat.
He brings an excitement like LeBron James did when he arrived in Miami in 2010. That led to two titles in four consecutive appearances in the Finals. They were the first championships of James' legendary career.
The Heat are expecting no different from Antetokounmpo. Although he led the Milwaukee Bucks to a title in 2021, this is a chance to solidify himself among the league's all-time greats. While Antetokounmpo has two MVPs, he could use another ring to boost his resume.
It won't be easy because the Eastern Conference is loaded. The defending champion New York Knicks have their core returning for another run for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Then there's the Philadelphia 76ers, who had arguably one of the best offseasons in league history.
They added LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers and signed ex-Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown. That gives them a starting lineup that also includes former MVP Joel Embiid, budding star Tyrese Maxey and rising talent VJ Edgecombe.
And let's not forget to mention the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons. The Cavs are still led by Donovan Mitchell and James Harden while the Pistons were the No. 1 seed in the East before falling in the second round.
So Antetokounmpo has a lot to overcome with the Heat.
MORE MIAMI HEAT NEWS
Could Miami Heat move young forward Nikola Jovic?
Is Giannis still a top 10 player in the NBA?
Chris Bosh details near-death experience in January
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
