The MVP race has been heating up with the inclusion of Paul George into the late-season sweepstakes, and while George is also a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer thinks Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo should also be one:

“Yes. Yes! He’s leading us defensively,” said Budenholzer when asked of his star's potential chances, according to Ben Golliver of The Washington Post. “Everyone sees what he does offensively. He sets the tone for our culture, for our work ethic. I would love for him to be in the [Defensive Player of the Year] conversation.”

George, who leads the league in steals, is a natural for the conversation, given his prowess as a two-way wing. Yet Antetokounmpo's offensive dominance can at times overshadow what he does on defense — able to wreck offensive schemes with a blindside block or a hard-charging steal to give him a coast-to-coast opportunity, thanks to his long strides and uncanny finishing ability.

It hasn't been long since Antetokounmpo led his team in all five major statistical categories in a season. Yet despite the addition of Eric Bledsoe and Brook Lopez, who now lead the way in steals and blocks, respectively, The Greek Freak has managed to stay consistent on defense, even after breaking through as bona fide scorer.

Coupled with the best record in the league, Antetokounmpo will have a shot at both MVP and DPOY honors. While unlikely to get both, he could very well muster at least one of the two to showcase in his soon-to-be arsenal of NBA awards.