With only two weeks left for the NBA regular season to conclude, it’s time to pick who should win the MVP award for this extraordinary season. Unlike most seasons, there isn’t a clear standout favourite for the award and you can make a legitimate argument for two or three players for the MVP. Unfortunately, injuries and unavailability have played a big role this season considering the hectic schedules and Covid protocols and Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have all faced significant time on the sidelines. Nevertheless, there have been enough outstanding performers across the league and here are my top 5 players in contention for the MVP.
5. Julius Randle – New York Knicks
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The New York Knicks are relevant again and a lot of that is down to Julius Randle. The forward has been the league’s most improved player this season and has single-handedly carried the Knicks to the 4th seed in the East. Randle is averaging nearly 25 points and 10 boards this season and is shooting an impressive 80% from the free-throw line and more than 40% from beyond the arc.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
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Giannis isn’t being discussed in the MVP race due to voter fatigue and his performances in the playoffs but nevertheless, he has continued to play at an elite level this season. The Greek Freak is 5th in the league in terms of scoring with 28 points per game to go along with his 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 block. Giannis has missed some game time of late with an injury but has still carried Milwaukee to the 3rd seed in the East and has the 3rd highest PER (player efficiency rating) in the league with 29.1.
3. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
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Stephen Curry has forced himself into the MVP conversation after a record-breaking month of April where he has averaged 37.3 points per game. Curry hit 96 three-pointers in April – the most by any player in one month – and has carried the Golden State Warriors into the playoff conversation. During this stretch, Curry had five 40-point games, one 50-point game and four games with 10 or more three-pointers. To put his greatness into context, no player in their career has more than five games with at least 10 threes.
2. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
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If Joel Embiid would have been healthy and played the entire season, the MVP race would be a lot closer but the Philadelphia big man has unfortunately missed way too many games due to injury. Embiid has only played 1300 minutes and 44 games this season but nevertheless, he has taken his game to a different level under Doc Rivers. Embiid is averaging 29 points and 10 rebounds this season with even better efficiency while also playing ridiculous defence.
1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
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Nikola Jokic has been on a tear this season for the Denver Nuggets and is the bookies favourite to win the MVP. Jokic is averaging 26 points, 10 rebounds and is second in the league in assists while being on the periphery of the 50-40-90 mark in terms of shooting efficiency. What’s more impressive about Jokic this season is his availability and the fact that he has played every game this season for the Nuggets and is third in the league for minutes. Jokic has revolutionized the sport with his passing ability and has single-handedly carried the Denver Nuggets to the third seed in the stacked western conference.
[Image Credit: Stephen Curry]
Shivaan Shah