Four years ago, Giannis Antetokounmpo was on top of the world. Two-time MVP and a Finals MVP after a sensational performance against the Suns, capped by a decisive 50-point game to give the Milwaukee Bucks the second NBA title in their history, 50 years after the first.
Since then, the Greek Freak has firmly established himself as one of the five best players in the world.
The problem is that the Bucks, for their part, have regressed considerably. Over the last four seasons, between injuries and dubious trades, Milwaukee have won only a single playoff series and have now been eliminated in the first round three times in a row.
It's not necessarily all down to him, but the Greek is at a point in his career where he doesn't have much to prove, just titles to win, as many as possible.
Except that Milwaukee, who have dumped Damian Lillard by the wayside - among others, have never looked as weak as they do now. The Bucks are in decline, and rumours of a trade for their franchise player are multiplying.
To silence the critics, the solution is always the same: win, whatever it takes.
It's a tall order given the Bucks' roster and the current trend towards building teams brick by brick. But that's how you recognise a legend.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has already left a huge mark in the NBA, and now he can become said legend.
2024/2025 stats: 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 60.1% shooting.
Target goal for 2025/2026: the same + MVP candidate