By Kiarra Swaby / October 20, 2022 / Sports
With the NBA’s regular season underway, it will not be long for MVP buzz to begin circulating. As the two-time reigning winner Nikola Jokić enters his ninth season, the question remains if the Denver Nuggets superstar will finally be replaced. Here is a look at the top four players projected to make this year’s MVP contention.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
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One of the most explosive men in the hardcourt, Antetokounmpo makes his presence felt as a two-way player, averaging 29.9/11.6/5.8 last season. Entering his prime, the Greek Freak is bound to have another break-out season.
Luka Dončić
Already at his young age, fans have considered Dončić to be the future face of the NBA with his phenomenal talent and leadership, averaging 28.4/9.1/8.7 in 2021-2022. He currently holds the odds-on favourite to win the coveted title this year.
Joel Embiid
Barring injuries, Embiid is a bonafide star that significantly impacts his team on a positive note, finishing off at second in MVP votes the past two seasons. Arguably his best season, he averaged 30.6/11.7/4.2 and if he plans to win his first ever MVP title, he must outperform Jokić and remain healthy.
Stephen Curry
Early last season, Curry was leading the conversation of an MVP title and rightfully so, as he and his supporting cast took the NBA by storm once again. He averaged 25.5/5.2/6.3 and with this rate, if he continues to drain threes as effortlessly as he is on top of game wins, a MVP title certainly would be inevitable.
Despite some of the superstars listed above, there is no doubt Jokić will be tough competition to beat. With an average of 27.1/13.8/7.9 last season, the Joker is on track for another stellar year.