Sixers: Reviewing Joel Embiid’s MVP case with 18 games left
Sixers, Joel Embiid, and the MVP race: Secondary candidates
- 6. Luka Doncic, Mavericks
Luka Doncic started the season slow, but his recent play has rocketed him straight into the MVP conversation (28.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 8.8 assists). Had Doncic’s production over the last few weeks been the norm all season, he might be the running favorite right now. Unfortunately for him, there’s a lot of elite talent in the NBA at the moment, and there’s something to be said for wire-to-wire consistency.
- 5. Ja Morant, Grizzlies
Memphis has been remarkably strong with Ja Morant off the floor this season, which is the main argument against his candidacy. That said, the Grizzlies (currently the No. 2 seed in the high-flying West) are even greater with Morant on the court, and his production is fully deserving of a spot on the MVP ballot (27.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists). He is the most entertaining player in the NBA right now, and Memphis should not be ignored when the postseason arrives.
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- 4. DeMar DeRozan, Bulls
DeMar DeRozan has elevated the Bulls from mediocrity to home-court advantage. The Bulls are not flawless, and injuries have deluged the roster all season, but DeRozan has been a remarkably consistent force. He’s the most unstoppable perimeter scorer on the planet right now, with enough ancillary skills to earn top-five status (28.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists). His mid-range artistry, in conjunction with improved 3-point range and some real playmaking juice, make DeRozan the Bulls’ best MVP candidate since Derrick Rose.