Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready to take control of the Eastern Conference this season. The Milwaukee Bucks' budding superstar took the next step towards an MVP last season and many are pegging the Greek Freak to win the league's top individual honor this season.

“I'm an MVP of life, but at the end of the day, that's one of the goals that I want to chase. If it does happen. It didn't happen last year. It doesn't happen this year. It's going to happen because I'm going to keep working hard every day until I get there.”

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Antetokounpmo is still only 23 years old. That's wild to think about considering he was a serious contender for the MVP last season. Of course, Harden ran away with the award despite strong cases from LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But Giannis was in the heart of the conversation for most of the season.

It's not crazy to believe that Giannis will insert himself in the MVP conversation once again. He has a new coach in Mike Budenholzer and that could help spur a Bucks offense that sputtered at times last season.

Milwaukee has a unique opportunity in the Eastern Conference this year. There are a few good teams like the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers, but the conference is still wide open.

And in terms of superstars in the conference, Antetokounmpo is one of the preeminent names in the conversation. Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Joel Embiid can make strong cases as the top dog in the East, but it's hard to argue against Giannis' chances at an MVP this year.