The NBA Most Valuable Player award is one of the most prestigious in all of sports. It is a benchmark in debates for the greatest players of all-time and has seen back-to-back champions four times in the last 15 years. Does Joel Embiid have what it takes to add to that list? Nikola Jokic was finally able to be seen on a national level after the Finals run and his talent is undeniable. Luka Doncic is coming off of the FIBA World Cup tournament and will come into the season in the best shape of his career and Giannis Antetokounmpo is geared to make another Finals appearance. Let’s take a look at my favorite pick for NBA MVP along with a dark horse and a few other best bets to make for the NBA season!
NBA MVP
Luka is coming off an embarrassing season without a playoff appearance and will be in game shape early as we mentioned in the opening paragraph. Last season, he averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8 assists, but there were rumblings about his weight and offseason training regime. All of that has been put to rest as he is the lightest he’s ever been entering a season and highly motivated. Aside from what Luka can control, the Mavericks made a conscious effort to improve the roster this offseason and set themselves up for a playoff run in a deep Western Conference. Surrounding Luka with shooters is key, and they grabbed one of the better ones in the league this offseason in Seth Curry. Grant Williams was brought in via sign and trade from Boston for Reggie Bullock and brings championship experience along with physicality and a defensive-minded approach.
In the draft, Dallas brought in Dereck Lively out of Duke to protect the rim. Lively was the #1 HS prospect in the country heading into the 2021-2022 season before fitting in as a piece on the national title contender. Richaun Holmes comes over from Sacramento and can be a great rotational big. Lastly, resigning Kyrie Irving gives Luka Doncic someone to help him play off the ball and keep the offense from getting stale at times. If Luka can put up another 30-8-8 on a 50-win team, you’re looking at your 6th international MVP in the last 6 seasons.