Add another award to Giannis Antetokounmpo's trophy case.
The reigning league MVP has earned the 2019-20 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, the NBA announced on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo edged out Lakers' forward Anthony Davis and Jazz center Rudy Gobert for the award.
Entering the season, Antetokounmpo had been named to the NBA's all-defensive team twice, but had yet to earn Player of the Year. Now, the four-time All-Star can check this award off his list.
Antetokounmpo joins an exclusive club of just five players that have won both league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. The other four? Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Kevin Garnett. All Hall-of-Famers.
The 25-year-old Milwaukee star is likely not done collecting honors from this past season, as Antetokounmpo is favored to once again take home the MVP. Antetokounmpo averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists while leading the Bucks to the best record in the NBA.
Of course, Antetokounmpo would almost certainly trade in every individual honor he receives for an NBA championship. The Bucks currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the Orlando Magic in the opening round of the playoffs.
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Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo wins 2019-20 NBA Defensive Player of the Year originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
