We fans now have a clearer understanding of which teams are the strongest, which were the biggest flops, and most importantly, and who emerged as one of the select few candidates deserving of the league’s MVP award now that the first half of the NBA season is through. And this year, there could be more players in the group.
The title has gone to center Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets the last two years, and this year he is once again sweeping the NBA as both the league’s top center and passer. Although he has excelled this season, there is fierce competition.
This MVP race could be the most competitive in recent memory because the NBA has so many legitimate contenders right now. The biggest news for the league is that although established players like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard continue to dominate on their own, some of the next superstars who are predicted to take the league by storm in the next 10 years are currently among the more deserving competitors.
Below, check out the young stars who have been dominating the opposition in the NBA’s regular season and are the top contenders for the league’s MVP award.
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic is unquestionably making a case for his third consecutive MVP award. Now, with the Nuggets dominating at the top of the Western Conference, his name has to be considered. According to specialists on NBA tips and offers, Jokic is currently the clear favorite to win this year’s award.
His scoring output is at an all-time low when compared to the previous two seasons, but his total assists are at an all-time high. It’s amazing to see a center averaging triple-doubles throughout the season while also putting on historic performances, but you can also thank Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. for returning from injuries.
Luka Doncic
The Dallas Mavericks’ early-season underperformance and inability to compile the consistency and victories required to support a title drive were cited as justifications to discredit Luka Doncic’s MVP candidacy. Yet now that Doncic is dismantling rival defenses, the Mavericks have risen in the Western Conference standings.
He has games with 50 points. He had triple-doubles with 60 points. He also had clutch efforts to keep his team in the game. At an average of 32.9 points per game, he is on pace to battle for the scoring championship. His 8.2 assists per game rank sixth among all players. Any defenses you may have used to exclude him from the conversation in December have been refuted by Doncic recently. He’s definitely a contender for the MVP honor.
Joel Embiid
In previous years, Joel Embiid has been regarded as a potential MVP candidate. Some could even argue that he already should have one in his trophy case. After placing second in the last two years, Embiid is once again vying for MVP honors. Embiid now has a chance to be the league’s most unstoppable player, and he plays as such.
He is averaging around 34 points per game and already has the scoring championship. We’re ignoring the reality that a 7-foot, 280-pound player can easily score at all three levels. There is little doubt that Embiid’s name should be in the MVP discussion and will be there at the conclusion of the year, barring injury, as the 76ers have quietly risen up the East standings and won games.
Jayson Tatum
With his outstanding postseason performance and outstanding freshman season in 2018, Jayson Tatum was met with high expectations. Everyone eagerly anticipated the day when he would attain MVP status and join the All-Star team. He has established himself as a contender for MVP this season as he prepares to make sports history for one of the most illustrious organizations.
Tatum is on pace to become the first Boston Celtic to average more than 30 points per game for a whole season with his 30.1 points per game. In light of the quality and success the team has enjoyed over the previous century, this statistic is astounding. Most of the credit for the Boston Celtics’ current status as one of the NBA title contenders goes to Jayson Tatum.
OTS News on Social Media