Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the all-time great talents currently competing in the NBA and his resume speaks for itself when it comes to his 2020-21 championship with the Milwaukee Bucks and two MVP award trophies. As great as Giannis is and has been since he won Most Improved Player in 2016-17, does his career stack up against another all-time great power forward, Kevin Garnett?
Kevin Garnett is one of the five greatest power forwards ever and has an excellent list of accomplishments including an NBA title and an MVP trophy along with 14 All-Star selections. To see which player has the edge in resume, let’s compare both careers to come up with the winner.
Championships
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 1 (2021)
Kevin Garnett: 1 (2008)
Giannis led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years during the 2020-21 season. His performance in the Finals was historic, especially his 50-point explosion in Game 6 that secured the title. Giannis was the undisputed leader and focal point of his team, carrying the Bucks to the championship with his elite scoring, defense, and sheer willpower. His ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments of the playoffs, particularly after being down 0-2 in the Finals, proved his championship mettle.
Kevin Garnett won his lone NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 2008. Garnett was the defensive anchor and emotional leader of the team, transforming Boston into a powerhouse with his intensity, focus, and defensive prowess. While he wasn't the Finals MVP, his role in galvanizing the Celtics' championship run was undeniable, especially in terms of his leadership and ability to guard multiple positions. In the end, both players have one championship, and while Giannis earned Finals MVP honors, Garnett’s impact as a defensive leader and his critical role in transforming the Celtics into champions balance the scales.
Advantage: Even
Finals MVP Awards
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 1 (2021)
Kevin Garnett: 0
Giannis’ 2021 Finals MVP performance is considered one of the greatest in NBA history. Averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across six games, Giannis dominated every facet of the series, showcasing his offensive firepower and defensive versatility. His 50-point masterpiece in Game 6, combined with his iconic block and alley-oop moments, put him in elite company. Giannis’ Finals MVP award reflects his importance to the Bucks’ championship run, as he was both their leading scorer and defensive anchor.
Despite being a major reason behind the Celtics’ 2008 title, Garnett did not win the Finals MVP, as that honor went to Paul Pierce. Garnett’s influence on the series was profound, especially on defense, where he shut down key opponents and controlled the paint. However, his more evenly distributed offensive production with teammates Pierce and Ray Allen meant Garnett did not accumulate the scoring or standout moments needed to win Finals MVP. Still, his value in bringing Boston its 17th championship was clear.
MVP Awards
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2 (2019, 2020)
Kevin Garnett: 1 (2004)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has earned two MVP awards, solidifying his place among the elite in the league. His back-to-back MVP wins in 2019 and 2020 came during his peak seasons where he averaged nearly 30 points per game, along with his defensive brilliance. Giannis' ability to dominate both ends of the floor and his transformation into the centerpiece of a contending team elevated him above his peers during those seasons. His MVP awards reflect his unmatched athleticism, versatility, and leadership.
Kevin Garnett won his lone MVP award in 2004 as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. That season, Garnett averaged a career-high 24.2 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, leading the Timberwolves to the best record in the Western Conference. Known for his all-around game, Garnett was a dominant force on both ends of the floor. While he only won one MVP, his consistent excellence over a long career made him one of the most respected and versatile players of his era but he loses another category with Giannis.
Defensive Player of the Year Awards
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 1 (2020)
Kevin Garnett: 1 (2008)
Giannis won his first Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award in 2020, becoming one of the few players in NBA history to win both MVP and DPOY in the same season. His ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and disrupt passing lanes made him a defensive terror. Giannis’ blend of size, speed, and basketball IQ allowed him to dominate defensively both in one-on-one matchups and as a help defender. His DPOY award underscores his elite impact on that side of the floor.
Kevin Garnett captured the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008, his first season with the Boston Celtics. Garnett’s defensive acumen played a key role in transforming the Celtics into a championship team, as he anchored the league’s best defense. Known for his intensity, versatility, and ability to guard positions one through five, Garnett was a defensive leader who influenced the game beyond just individual stats. His DPOY win in 2008 capped off a season where his defense led the Celtics to a title. In the end, both players have one DPOY award, and both were key defensive leaders for their teams. Their unique skill sets on defense make this category a tie.
Scoring Titles
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 0
Kevin Garnett: 0
Despite his elite scoring ability, Giannis has not won a scoring title. However, his scoring prowess is undeniable, as he has averaged over 30 points per game for two straight seasons and consistently ranks among the top scorers in the league. Giannis’ scoring often comes from his dominance in the paint, where he uses his size and athleticism to overpower defenders. Though he hasn’t led the league in scoring, his consistent offensive output keeps him in the conversation among the best scorers.
Kevin Garnett, despite his offensive versatility and consistency, never won a scoring title either. Garnett’s game was always more balanced between scoring, playmaking, and defense, which may have contributed to his never leading the league in scoring. His highest-scoring season came in 2004 when he averaged 24.2 points per game, but his focus on being an all-around player meant he rarely chased scoring titles meaning this category is a tie.
Advantage: Even
All-NBA Teams
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 8 (6 First Team, 2 Second Team)
Kevin Garnett: 9 (4 First Team, 3 Second Team, 2 Third Team)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a consistent presence on the All-NBA teams since breaking out as a superstar. With 6 First Team selections, Giannis has established himself as one of the most dominant players of his generation. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess has kept him among the elite year after year. Giannis’ versatility on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most unique and impactful players in the league, and his All-NBA selections reflect his sustained excellence.
Kevin Garnett was one of the most versatile players of his era, making 9 All-NBA teams, including 4 First Team selections. Garnett’s longevity and ability to stay relevant through different phases of his career, from Minnesota to Boston, kept him in the conversation as one of the top power forwards. His ability to contribute as a scorer, rebounder, defender, and passer made him a key figure in the league. Overall, Garnett edges Giannis slightly in total All-NBA selections, though Giannis could eventually surpass him in two seasons.
Advantage: Kevin Garnett
All-Star Appearances
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 8
Kevin Garnett: 15
Since becoming an All-Star in 2017, Giannis has been a fixture in the event, showcasing his incredible skills and athleticism on one of the league’s biggest stages. Giannis’ popularity among fans, coaches, and players has also led to him being a frequent All-Star Game captain in recent seasons. His consistent production and highlight-reel plays make him one of the most entertaining players to watch, and his eight selections so far speak to his status as a perennial superstar.
Kevin Garnett’s 15 All-Star appearances put him among the all-time greats in terms of longevity and consistency. Garnett was selected to the All-Star Game in almost every season during his prime, displaying his versatility, defense, and scoring on the big stage. KG’s presence as a fan favorite, and later as a veteran mentor in Boston, kept him in the All-Star conversation well into his career. Garnett wins a very important category to shape up his resume so far.
Advantage: Kevin Garnett
All-Defensive Teams
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 5 (4 First Team, 1 Second Team)
Kevin Garnett: 12 (9 First Team, 3 Second Team)
Giannis has quickly become one of the best defenders in the NBA, earning 4 First Team All-Defensive selections. His ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and switch onto smaller players makes him one of the most feared defenders in the league. Giannis’ defensive versatility has been a key part of the Bucks’ success, and his impact on that end of the floor is recognized by his multiple All-Defensive Team honors. His defensive prowess earned him a Defensive Player of the Year award as well.
Kevin Garnett was known for his tenacity and versatility on the defensive end, making 12 All-Defensive Teams throughout his career. Garnett’s ability to guard all five positions, combined with his relentless energy, made him one of the best defenders of his era. His 9 First Team selections reflect his consistency and dominance on that side of the floor. Garnett’s defensive leadership was a key factor in Boston’s 2008 title run, and his reputation as one of the most intense and effective defenders in NBA history is well-earned.
Advantage: Kevin Garnett
Total Win Shares
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 109.3
Kevin Garnett: 191.4
Giannis has accumulated 109.3 total win shares thus far in his career, a remarkable figure given his relatively short time in the league compared to other all-time greats. This statistic highlights Giannis’ immense impact on both ends of the court, as he has been a driving force behind the Milwaukee Bucks' success, particularly during their 2021 championship run. With Giannis still in his prime, his win shares total is likely to rise considerably as he continues to dominate in the seasons ahead.
Kevin Garnett’s career win shares stand at an impressive 191.4, a testament to his sustained excellence over a 21-season career. Known for his ability to influence the game on offense, defense, and leadership, Garnett's impact was felt throughout his career, from his early years with the Minnesota Timberwolves to his title-winning stint with the Boston Celtics. Garett takes a major edge over Giannis when it comes to career win shares.
Advantage: Kevin Garnett
Career Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 25.4
Kevin Garnett: 22.7
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career PER of 25.4 places him among the most efficient players in NBA history. This metric, which measures a player’s overall productivity per minute, underscores Giannis’ ability to contribute in nearly every facet of the game—whether through scoring, rebounding, playmaking, or defense. His athleticism and versatility enable him to maintain an elite level of efficiency, making him one of the most dominant forces on the court during his prime years.
Kevin Garnett’s career PER of 22.7 is an outstanding mark, reflecting his all-around game and his ability to positively impact both ends of the floor. While Garnett was not always the go-to scorer, his contributions in defense, rebounding, and passing were integral to his teams' success. His efficient style of play, combined with his unselfishness and versatility, made him a complete player. Though Garnett’s PER is slightly lower than Giannis’, it still ranks highly among the greatest players in NBA history.
Advantage: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Final Score
Kevin Garnett vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo 4-3
When comparing the careers of Kevin Garnett and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the score is close but favors Garnett at 4-3. Garnett edges out Giannis in key categories like All-NBA Teams, All-Star selections, All-Defensive Teams, and total win shares. His longevity, consistency, and ability to remain an elite player across two decades make him one of the most complete power forwards in NBA history. Garnett's leadership and defensive prowess helped define the culture of every team he played for, culminating in his 2008 championship with the Boston Celtics.
However, Giannis has already surpassed Garnett in individual accolades such as MVP Awards, Finals MVP, and Player Efficiency Rating, signaling that he is arguably the more dominant player at his peak. If the Greek Freak adds another championship to his resume and continues his high level of play for several more years, he could very well surpass Garnett’s legacy. Giannis needs to find a way to make it work with Damian Lillard because he has a great chance to win a second title in Milwaukee.
For now, Garnett’s longevity and broader career accomplishments give him the edge, but Giannis is within striking distance. Another title, paired with continued All-Star and All-NBA selections, would cement Giannis as the superior player between these two legends. The next few years could determine whether Giannis takes that crown.
