In the NBA‘s Eastern Conference, franchises such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat have been home to players who have left an indelible mark on league history. Despite this storied legacy, the debate over the most influential player in the conference remains lively. Recently, a 2008 Boston Celtics champion revealed his unexpected choice for the player he believes has dominated the Eastern Conference over the past decade.
“Giannis (Antetokounmpo) has been the best player in the Eastern Conference over the last 10 years,” Kendrick Perkins said on ESPN. Despite the controversy that followed, the Greek star has consistently ranked among the league’s elite. For nine consecutive years, he has scored more than 20 points per game, ultimately leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021.
His impact extends beyond these accolades. In the 2019-20 season, he dominated by averaging 29.1 points per game and secured both the MVP and DPOY awards, establishing himself as the season’s most formidable player. Although he has not clinched the MVP title in the past five years, he has consistently averaged over 30 points per game for the last three seasons, significantly enhancing his statistical performance.
Moreover, Giannis has become a primary playmaker for the Milwaukee Bucks. Even the franchise’s general manager, Jon Horst, praised his skills as a point guard. “He truly is becoming a real point guard — or a real point forward, like Doc [Rivers] calls it — so I think that allows us to dive even deeper into it than we have in the past, but I think those have always been some of our most successful lineups and groups,” he said, via the Athletic.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo return to the Bucks for the 2025–26 season?
Although Giannis Antetokounmpo is under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks through the 2026-27 season, his future with the team remains uncertain. The Greek superstar has expressed his desire to win another championship, yet the Bucks’ roster improvements have been minimal, with only Myles Turner and Cole Anthony joining the team. Given these limited additions, the possibility of Antetokounmpo’s departure still looms large.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, the Bucks’ general manager Jon Horst offered some clarity on the situation. “We’ve done everything, I’ve done everything within my human possible power this offseason… And have we done more than anyone else could possibly do? I believe we have. And that’s not an arrogant thing to say. In a very humble way. I think we’ve done as much or more than anyone else could possibly do, and I’m proud of that,” he said.
Horst’s remarks left the door open for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential departure, sparking fan anxiety over a possible trade request. Despite this, the Greek star has not commented on his tenure, and no other franchise negotiations have surfaced. With plenty of time left, the situation remains fluid, and changes could still unfold.