Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Giannis Antetokounmpo are two of the most iconic players in Milwaukee Bucks history. Their accomplishments not only defined eras for the franchise but also left an indelible mark on the NBA as a whole. Both players achieved greatness in different ways, but each brought Milwaukee to the forefront of professional basketball.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, formerly known as Lew Alcindor before converting to Islam and changing his name in 1971, was drafted first overall by the Bucks in 1969. In just his second season, he led Milwaukee to its first and only NBA championship of the 20th century, capturing the 1971 Finals MVP in the process. During his six seasons with the Bucks, Abdul-Jabbar won three league MVP awards (1971, 1972, and 1974), showcasing his dominance on the court. His patented skyhook and unparalleled scoring ability made him virtually unguardable. By the time he left Milwaukee in 1975, he had firmly established himself as one of the league’s top players.
In contrast, Giannis Antetokounmpo, nicknamed “The Greek Freak,” represents the modern face of the Bucks. Drafted 15th overall in 2013, Giannis arrived as a raw, lanky teenager with immense potential. Over the years, he transformed himself into one of the most physically dominant and versatile players in the league. His rise to superstardom culminated with back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020. In the 2020 season, he also won the Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming just the third player in NBA history to win both honors in the same year — joining Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.
Giannis’s crowning moment came in 2021, when he led the Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years. In a spectacular Finals performance against the Phoenix Suns, he averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per game, capped by a legendary 50-point performance in the closeout Game 6. For his efforts, he was named Finals MVP, matching Abdul-Jabbar’s feat five decades earlier.
While Abdul-Jabbar’s career continued to flourish in Los Angeles, where he won three more MVPs and five more championships, Giannis remains the heart and soul of the Bucks. Their careers, while distinct in style and era, bear remarkable similarities in impact. Both players brought Milwaukee to the top of the NBA world, both won multiple MVPs with the franchise, and both delivered a championship and Finals MVP to a city often overlooked in national conversations.
Kareem and Giannis represent different generations but are bound by greatness. Abdul-Jabbar’s graceful, methodical dominance contrasts with Giannis’s explosive athleticism and defensive prowess. Yet, their legacies intersect in Milwaukee’s history books. As of now, they are arguably the two greatest players in franchise history — a testament to the enduring power of elite talent and dedication.
