Post by ucfinfan86 on Dec 24, 2023 0:07:24 GMT
So I wrote this on Thursday and it was supposed to be a collaborative article but the other guys couldn’t end up writing. It’s a little outdated but still stands for the most part.
Anyways. Here is a look at the top 10 MVP candidates and then some honorable mentions.
1. PG Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Leading the Pacers to the 2nd best record in the league. 3rd in assists and putting up 24/5/10 with solid defense on 48% shooting.
2. C Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Would be #1 if the Nuggets had a better record. Only 13-10 at the ¼ mark but he’s putting up an absurd 32/13/6 on 50% FG and 43% 3P . 2nd in scoring and 3rd in rebounds.
3. PG Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Nearly 31/8/6 with only 3 TOs. Playing SG is keeping the assists and turnovers down. Shooting 55%! And #4 in the league in steals. #4 in points per game.
4. PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Very similar argument to Jokic and similar points/rebounds. Has better defense, but less assists and 1.6 more TOs on less efficiency. Same concern with the Bucks current 13-11 record. #1 in points and #5 in rebounds. 3 more FTA per game then the next #2
5. C Karl Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
NBN2 KAT is here (although less blocks). 28/12.5 on 50% and the main contributor to the team with the best record in the league. Gobert/Edwards are also playing great, but KAT has been the best of the trio. He’s 7th in PPG.
6. SF Jayson Tatum, Dallas Mavericks
Having a fantastic season and along with Luka is a key reason the Mavs are 13-7. 29/7 on 51% shooting. 5th in league in scoring.
7. SF Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers
76ers are a disappointing 10-11, but have missed Embiid for 8 games (which is why he’s not on the list). PG is 29/6 at 52% shooting and 6th in points and helped keep Philly afloat during Embiid’s absence. Similar to KAT, it’s really the trio here with Embiid/Maxey but he’s been the best/most available
8. PG Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Carrying the Warriors on his back! This team isn’t good but he’s got them at 14-9 and #3 in the league in scoring. 46% from 3 on a league leading 7.1 attempts
9. SG Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Suns are 13-8 with KD playing 6th man and 25mpg. Booker has been crushing it with 26 ppg on 53% shooting and 50% from 3! Shooting the lights out and carrying a weird Suns DC.
10. PG Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Orlando Magic
Giving SGA some love for having the Magic at 12-7 on a good season. Would like to see assists a bit higher but 24/5/8 on 48% shooting with only 2.9 TOs
Honorable Mention
Jalen Brunson – Coin flip with SGA
Kawhi Leonard – FG% a tad lower than the top 10 guys
Joel Embiid – Missed 8 games
Dame Lillard - #2 in Assists, Bucks aren’t good enough for 2 Top 10 MVP candidates right now
Rudy Gobert/Anthony Edwards - Wolves are good!
Kevin Durant – 21ppg in 25mpg. Get this man some minutes!
LaMelo Ball – Hornets bad and he’s at 5.1 TOs
Anyways. Here is a look at the top 10 MVP candidates and then some honorable mentions.
1. PG Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Leading the Pacers to the 2nd best record in the league. 3rd in assists and putting up 24/5/10 with solid defense on 48% shooting.
2. C Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Would be #1 if the Nuggets had a better record. Only 13-10 at the ¼ mark but he’s putting up an absurd 32/13/6 on 50% FG and 43% 3P . 2nd in scoring and 3rd in rebounds.
3. PG Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Nearly 31/8/6 with only 3 TOs. Playing SG is keeping the assists and turnovers down. Shooting 55%! And #4 in the league in steals. #4 in points per game.
4. PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Very similar argument to Jokic and similar points/rebounds. Has better defense, but less assists and 1.6 more TOs on less efficiency. Same concern with the Bucks current 13-11 record. #1 in points and #5 in rebounds. 3 more FTA per game then the next #2
5. C Karl Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
NBN2 KAT is here (although less blocks). 28/12.5 on 50% and the main contributor to the team with the best record in the league. Gobert/Edwards are also playing great, but KAT has been the best of the trio. He’s 7th in PPG.
6. SF Jayson Tatum, Dallas Mavericks
Having a fantastic season and along with Luka is a key reason the Mavs are 13-7. 29/7 on 51% shooting. 5th in league in scoring.
7. SF Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers
76ers are a disappointing 10-11, but have missed Embiid for 8 games (which is why he’s not on the list). PG is 29/6 at 52% shooting and 6th in points and helped keep Philly afloat during Embiid’s absence. Similar to KAT, it’s really the trio here with Embiid/Maxey but he’s been the best/most available
8. PG Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Carrying the Warriors on his back! This team isn’t good but he’s got them at 14-9 and #3 in the league in scoring. 46% from 3 on a league leading 7.1 attempts
9. SG Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Suns are 13-8 with KD playing 6th man and 25mpg. Booker has been crushing it with 26 ppg on 53% shooting and 50% from 3! Shooting the lights out and carrying a weird Suns DC.
10. PG Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Orlando Magic
Giving SGA some love for having the Magic at 12-7 on a good season. Would like to see assists a bit higher but 24/5/8 on 48% shooting with only 2.9 TOs
Honorable Mention
Jalen Brunson – Coin flip with SGA
Kawhi Leonard – FG% a tad lower than the top 10 guys
Joel Embiid – Missed 8 games
Dame Lillard - #2 in Assists, Bucks aren’t good enough for 2 Top 10 MVP candidates right now
Rudy Gobert/Anthony Edwards - Wolves are good!
Kevin Durant – 21ppg in 25mpg. Get this man some minutes!
LaMelo Ball – Hornets bad and he’s at 5.1 TOs
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