Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was also named to the All-NBA Second Team in May, averaged career highs in both blocks (1.9) and steals (1.6) per game during the 2016-17 season, which ranked sixth and 11th in the NBA respectively. He also ranked fifth in total blocks (151) and ninth in total steals (131). Antetokounmpo is the sixth Buck to be named to an NBA All-Defensive team and the first since Alvin Robertson was a First Team All-Defensive Team pick in 1990-91. Tony Allen (Memphis), Danny Green (San Antonio), Anthony Davis (New Orleans) and Andre Roberson (Oklahoma City) were also Second Team All-Defensive Team selections.
Antetokounmpo is a finalist for the KIA Most Improved Player Award. The NBA Awards will be broadcast live on TNT beginning at 8 p.m. CT Tuesday.
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