Miami Heat: How are they ranked so close to Dwyane Wade all-time?

27. Giannis Antetokounmpo

This one really confuses me, as at least Kawhi Leonard has titles. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a superstar in the NBA, that isn’t even a question, but to rank him in the top 50 of the all-time NBA greats at this point is a huge stretch and overreaction. Here is how ESPN’s Eric Woodyard talked the Greek Freak up.

"You don’t have to look further than the name to understand Antetokounmpo’s ascent in the NBA at the age of 25. Before “Giannis” became a household name, he was often called “The Greek Freak” by those who couldn’t pronounce his last name. The reigning MVP was on pace to win the award for a second straight season while seemingly getting better by the day, putting up career numbers before the NBA suspended action because of the coronavirus pandemic. His best years seem to be ahead of him."

Exactly as Woodyard painted it, he is a household name and a marvel on the court. Also as Woodyard said though, his best years are ahead of him and we have to see those play out before heaping lofty achievements like this high of a ranking on the guy.

There is no need to go into the numbers, there shouldn’t be a debate. He doesn’t have a title, nor the sustained record of excellence over a numerous amount of years as most the other guys on this list do. The Miami Heat’s legend isn’t the only guy on this list he’s ranked way to close to and some of those other guys are ranked quite a bit below where the Freak is ranked currently himself.