WOODBURY- An MVP award in basketball is one of the most coveted awards and one that only a fraction of players will ever achieve. An MVP needs to be someone who is extraordinary on both ends of the court and directly affects their teams winning while also making his teammates better; with so many players in the NBA fitting the mold, who deserves it the most?
According to NBA.com writer Shaun Powell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the MVP race as Nikola Jokic is following closely behind, and Giannis Antetokounmpo rounding out the top three in this year’s MVP ladder.
While the NBA professionals made this list with very advanced statistics, NBA fans at Nonnewaug have scattered opinions.
Anthony Edwards: The NBA’s Next Great Guard
¨Personally I believe Anthony Edwards should win the MVP this year¨, says Nonnewaug junior Brady Herman. ¨He’s got the stats to prove it, and to win MVP you have to get votes and with his stats on the court and personality off the court I think he has a great chance, along with that he is an up and coming face of the league and one of the best young stars in the NBA.”
¨Anthony Edwards deserves to win MVP because of how he is a leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves while being young and not as experienced as other players¨, said NHS junior Derek Chung. ¨Being a direct reason for success with his elite scoring from three, athleticism, and his defensive intensity. Even as a young star has shown that he’s not afraid of the spotlight, showing his ability to take over games and Push his teammates. Edwards’ explosiveness, improved playmaking, and defensive intensity make him one of the most complete players in the league. Ant’s impact on both ends of the floor and his role in turning the Timberwolves into a top contender once again make him a great choice for MVP¨.
Nikola Jokic: The Fourth’s Time the Charm
¨Nikola Jokic easily should win the MVP. He’s top 5 in points, rebounds, assists, and steals¨, said junior Owen Fitzgerald. ¨He’s also doing things we’ve never seen before like averaging a triple double and commonly getting 15+ assists. Jokic deserves to win it over people like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander because even though SGA is leading the league in points, his stats in other categories don’t stand out like Nikola Jokic¨.
¨My initial thoughts when I hear the top 3 list for MVP is why isnt Jason Tatum on the list because his stats are comparable to players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander¨, said NHS culinary teacher John Dominello. ¨I think the MVP is going to be decided with more than stats, I believe a players leadership skills and team success are vital to be considered a MVP. All three players in the top three deserve the award but I favor Jokic, He’s a big man who plays like a big and can do everything on the court like passing and scoring at all levels¨.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: More than Just a Flash a Lightning for the Thunder
¨Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should win MVP because he’s been one of the best players on both ends of the court¨, says Nonnewaug junior Robert Metcalfe. ¨He leads the league in scoring and is one of the most efficient scorers, can create for himself and his teammates, and plays strong defense which is why he’s in the top 5 for steals this year. As the leader of a new and young Oklahoma City Thunder team, he’s pushing them to become competitive and has shown he can take over games when needed¨.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek Freak wants a spot on Mount Olympus
¨Giannis Antetokounmpo should definitely win the MVP because of his dominance on both ends of the court so far this season¨, says senior Cameron Fraizer. ¨He continues to dominate all parts of the game, showing his ability to score, rebound, and play elite defense with ease. His versatility lets him impact the game in more ways than any other player, from driving to the basket to leading fast breaks. Along with that Giannis has kept the Bucks at the top of the Eastern Conference, proving how important he is to the team’s success¨.
MVP voters are made of a collection of writers, media members, and NBA insiders totaling over 100 ballots. Together, they’ll have the final say in who earns this year’s coveted award.
