Jj Redick Makes The Case For Giannis For Mvp (He's Having A Historic Season)

As the end of the NBA season approaches, the race for the Most Valuable Player award is heating up. And while I may not have an official vote, I can't help but join in on the excitement and speculation. It's like finding out you have a vote for the end of season awards when you least expect it!

This year, the MVP race is looking like a three-player showdown, with a possible fourth contender making waves. The top players in the discussion are Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But let's not forget to mention Jason Tatum, who has been a standout player for the Boston Celtics.

Interestingly enough, the combination of Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis in the top three MVP voting isn't as rare as you might think. It has happened twice before in NBA history. But that doesn't take away from the significance of this year's race. We're witnessing an extraordinary battle between these exceptional players.

When evaluating the candidates for MVP, it's important to consider the entirety of their season performances. For me, it's not just about one particular aspect or game. And that's where these upcoming matchups come into play. Embiid's showdown against Jokic and the Celtics could be pivotal in determining the frontrunner.

Now, let's dive into the numbers. The Denver Nuggets have had an impressive season, with Jokic leading the charge. His advanced numbers and counting stats speak for themselves. When he's on the court, the Nuggets outscore their opponents by a staggering 13.4 points per 100 possessions. But when he's off the court, they struggle and lose by 12 points per 100 possessions. That kind of impact is hard to ignore.

But hold on a second, let's talk defense. One of the knocks against Jokic is his perceived lack of defensive prowess. Yes, we've all seen those montage videos of him allowing layups at the rim. However, according to second spectrum data, among 33 players who defended 300 shots at the rim, Jokic has the lowest field goal percentage allowed. This should be a significant part of the conversation.

Moving on to Embiid, his scoring has been off the charts this season. He's on pace to have the most points per game in NBA history with a 65 or better true shooting percentage. That's an incredible feat. And let's not forget about his defense. When it comes to guarding ball handlers in direct isolation, Embiid ranks second in the NBA in points allowed. That two-way impact is hard to ignore.

But when comparing Embiid to Giannis and Jokic, there are some areas where he falls short. His playmaking skills, for example, are not as strong as the other two. He ranks near the bottom in assist-to-turnover ratio among qualified players. While scoring efficiency and volume are essential for a center, playmaking should also be considered.

Now, Giannis. What he's doing this season is simply awe-inspiring. His scoring, efficiency, and impact on both ends of the court are unmatched. He has a chance to join the likes of Harden, Curry, and Jordan in averaging 30 points per game with a personal 75% win percentage. And his absence in some games should not be forgotten. Only one MVP in NBA history has missed 15 or more games in a season, and that was Bill Walton in 1978. Giannis has missed 15 games, and that could be a significant factor.

But let's not get caught up in destroying one player to boost another. All three of these players deserve recognition for their incredible performances this season. The toxicity around the MVP race is unnecessary. We should celebrate the greatness of these players instead.

And let's not forget, at the end of the day, what matters most is who wins the [expletive] championship. Ultimately, that's the ultimate measure of greatness. So, can we enjoy the MVP race without tearing one another down?

In conclusion, the MVP race is a tight battle between Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis, with Tatum lurking as a possible dark horse. Their performances, both individually and as leaders of their respective teams, have been outstanding. And while I may not have an official vote, I'll continue to watch and evaluate the race until the end.

And in case you're wondering, I'll be sure to share who I would vote for. But for now, let's appreciate the brilliance of these three players and the unique talents they bring to the game. The MVP race is far from over, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.