The season is winding down and this has been a great year especially when it comes to the Race for MVP. Here are my top 5 MVP candidates. As the season has unfolded it has proven to be a 2 man race with everyone else in the distance for various reasons.
Nikola Jokic
The reigning MVP is making a case as to why he should be a back to back winner. He is putting historic numbers on the floor the likes of which we have only seen from Wilt Chamberlain. He is doing this essentially by himself, nearly averaging a triple double while his two co-stars have been out due to injury for all season in the case of Jamal Murray and most of the season when it comes to Michael Porter Jr. Another strong case for Jokic to win back to back is the fact that the Denver Nuggets with him off the floor their plus minus is historically bad at this point in the season. Some may feel Jokic won by default last year due to injuries but this year he has more than earned it.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is having an amazing season while being the Primary option on the team. Prior to obtaining James Harden in February the Philadelphia 76ers’ did not have a consistent number 2 option. Embiid had a stretch during the season in 23 straight games he scored at least 25 points. The last time that happened in franchise history was when Hall of Famer Allen Iverson did it for 27 straight games during his MVP Season in the 2000-2001 season. Also Embiid has put the Sixers on his back despite the Ben Simmons saga that permeated the team until Simmons was traded to the Nets.
Ja Morant
Ja Morant has had a spectacular season. He has the Memphis Grizzlies with the 2nd best record in the league. He will no doubt win Most Improved Player of the year this season. The only thing that would go against Ja in such a tight race is the fact that when he missed time this season the Grizzlies continued to win. They are 13-2 when Morant does not play this season.
Stephen Curry
Steph has had a good season and has helped the Warriors get back to the Championship ways. They have the 3rd best record in the league. Steph is 3rd due to the Warriors struggles once star Forward Draymond Green went down with injury. Also due to Steph’s recent ankle injury he won’t be back until the start of the playoffs which all but takes away his consideration for MVP this season.
DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan has had a great season. He proved many doubters wrong this year who said his signing with the Chicago Bulls was a bad move.
He has helped lead the Bulls to the 5th seed this year after missing the playoffs last season. The only reason he isn’t higher is due to the Bulls playing lackluster basketball after the NBA All Star break. They are 2-8 in their last 10 games including losing 3 straight.
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