The NBA released its Kia MVP Ladder for week 22 this morning. Sekou Smith titled the article, “Aberrant finish in award chase likely awaits James.”
I’ll give you guys a minute to google what aberrant means….
LeBron James’ injuries and the Lakers’ lack of success have eliminated his chances of winning the MVP. Several NBA analysts question whether he will make an All-NBA 1st or 2nd team this year. That is a debate we can have in a couple weeks. As for today, I’m going to give you guys my reaction to the NBA’s Kia MVP ladder for week 22 in reverse order.
“The Next Five”
6. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
7. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
8. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
9. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors
10. Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
These selections are a big confusing to me. Irving and Leonard have each played 57 games so far, compared to James at 50. Perhaps they rewarded the players for their individual team’s success. Regardless, how is Irving on this list and Russell Westbrook isn’t? Baffles me.
Worth noting, several players on the Lakers have been battling injuries this season.
5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Season Stats: 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.4 steals
The Denver Nuggets are a team that have been truly built around Nikola Jokic. It is rare to see a team build around a center these days. Then again, Nikola Jokic is a rare breed of a center. His passing ability and basketball IQ mimics that of a natural point guard. He is a very skilled player, regardless of the position. Despite his appearance, Jokic is also an underrated athlete with incredible strength. To put the cherry on top, he is clutch.
4. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Season Stats: 27.9 points, 5.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals
Warriors without Kevin Durant? Just fine. Warriors without Steph Curry? Yikes. Steph’s absence, due to injury, this season reminded NBA fans how great he was. The Warriors’ lack of success without him also reminded us how important he was to the organization. This realization, alongside his stats, and the Warriors’ success this season, are the reasons why Curry is in the top 5 for the Kia MVP ladder on week 22.
I agree with this pick.
3. Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder
Season Stats: 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.2 steals
Paul George and Russell Westbrook have figured out how to play with one another and it’s paying off. Paul George is having statistical career highs in several categories this year. George’s ability on both ends of the court is a big reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder are are competing for a third seed in the west.
They are currently only half a game behind the third seed Houston Rockets.
This selection was pretty straight forward. However, the next two are highly debatable.
2. James Harden, Houston Rockets
Season stats: 36.0 points, 7.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals
The Houston Rockets were the 14th seed before James Harden decided to completely take over. His elevated play, all time regular season scoring performances, and leadership have lead the Houston Rockets back to a western conference powerhouse.
On my personal ladder, James Harden is ranked no.1.
The one knock on James Harden is that he was on the team when they were 14th. There was speculation that he was out of shape heading into the season. That is on him. We are assessing the entire season, not just part of it.
1.Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Season stats: 27.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks
There are several factors that contribute to becoming the MVP. Individual success, team success, and overall impact on winning, are three of the most critical criteria.
Giannis Antetokounmpo checks all those boxes.
Head Coach Mike Budenholzer has helped lead the Bucks to a league best 51-17 record thus far this season. No one has benefited more from Budenholzer than Antetokounmpo . He is everything we love about sports. He plays both ends of the court and makes his teammates better.
Yes, the Rockets rely significantly on Harden in order to win games. However, there is an argument that the Bucks need Antetokounmpo just as badly.
The media will always give the benefit to the new guy. Antetokounmpo is also beloved by the media. Fans want Antetokounmpo to win it and he’s doing everything he can to do so.
I can’t blame anyone who votes for him. My opinion is not 100% final and the season is not over yet. For now, I’m still leaning James Harden.
What about you? Tweet me @TPRx11