5 Superstars Knicks should spend the season quietly recruiting for 2024-25
By Tyler Watts
![New York Knicks, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports New York Knicks, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/86df26c365f49f4e975a7b927b1d13cde447d94bad8bf0e91f9a63aafffa1506.jpg)
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak may be the best player in the world right now. He averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 32.1 minutes per game as he led the Bucks to the best regular season record in the league last season. An injury was behind Milwaukee’s surprising first-round playoff exit, and Giannis will miss the World Cup recovering from surgery.
When on the floor, he is unstoppable. Antetokounmpo gets to the basket at will and is an outstanding playmaker. He doubles as one of the best defenders in the game. The 28-year-old is still in his prime and proved he can be the best player on a championship team when he led the Bucks to the title in 2021.
Giannis has two years plus a player option remaining on his contract, and the Bucks did their best to remain in title contention this summer. They paid handsomely to bring back Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, but was it enough? Antetokounmpo is extension eligible and his latest comments have him considering looking elsewhere. Milwaukee has to do whatever they can to stay in the championship picture.
The New York Knicks anxiously await a superstar that fits their roster to request a trade. Will it be Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or someone else that asks out? Expect the Knicks to be ready for the moment, but fans will have to wait a bit longer.