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The race for this season's MVP appears to have boiled down to four superstars. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets, Giannis Antetokoumpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
In the latest episode of "The Old Man and The Three", JJ Redick discussed why the four superstars deserve to win the MVP award. Redick noted that this season's race is surrounded by uncertainty because of injuries and players entering health & safety protocols.
The former NBA player added that Kevin Durant is the best player in the world today. However, Redick feels that change every week because of how the other three superstars could perform. He also mentioned the health of their teammates as another factor for the MVP Award. Redick said:
"The best player in the world, it's so weird, it feels like it changes almost on a daily or weekly basis. Obviously, Kevin I think is the best player in the world. But in terms of who is playing best across the league, at times it's been Steph, at times it's been Giannis, at times it's been Jokic."
JJ Redick praised Nikola Jokic for having a great individual season for the Denver Nuggets. He said:
"Jokic, I'll say it again, has had as good of an individual season maybe as we've seen in the NBA. Period. Player Efficiency Rating (PER) - number one, by far, of all time, and that's including Wilt, Michael, LeBron, Larry, Magic - you name it."
Jokic is currently leading the NBA this season in PER at 32.7, which is also good for the best of all-time, better than Wilt Chamberlain back in 1963 and Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2020.
Among other factors to consider is the overall team performance. Redick questioned if Stephen Curry voters will punish him when Golden State had a bad stretch or if they would reward Jokic for carrying a very depleted Nuggets team.
Redick also believes that Giannis Antetokounmpo has a legitimate shot at winning the MVP season. He praised the Greek Freak, saying:
"Giannis, from day one, has been phenomenal. I still think he has a legitimate shot at winning his third MVP (award)."
Giannis has been one of the most durable players and he just keeps on improving every game.
A look at the records of the four MVP candidates this season
Name: Stephen Curry
Team: Golden State Warriors
Stats: 27.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.9 APG, 5.4 3PM, 39.9 %FG, 24.2 PER
Team Record: 27-6
Games Missed: 2
Team Record w/out: 1-1
Stephen Curry is the favorite to win the MVP Award this season. Curry has been an unstoppable force for the league-leading Golden State Warriors. Already a two-time MVP, Curry can cement his legacy by winning another one.
The only problem for Curry is the threat of injury to him and his teammates. There is also the return of Klay Thompson and James Wiseman to factor in. Will Curry's numbers dip when both players return? Can they sustain their winning pace at the end of the season?
Name: Kevin Durant
Team: Brooklyn Nets
Stats: 29.7 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.9 APG, 52.3% FG, 25.8 PER
Team Record: 23-9
Games Missed: 5
Team Record w/out: 3-2
Kevin Durant is considered by many to be the best player in the world. Durant has carried the Brooklyn Nets in the absence of Kyrie Irving and the struggles of James Harden. He also had an absurd season last year, despite only just returning from an injury. The Slim Reaper averaged 26.9 points per game in 35 games - his highest average since the 2015-16 season.
The only problem for Durant has been his overall health. He's been rested for many games and recently entered health and safety protocols from which he has yet to be released.
Name: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Stats: 27.4 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.6 BPG, 53.0% FG, 30.9 PER
Team Record: 22-13
Games Missed: 8
Team Record w/out: 4-4
Giannis Antetokounmpo is having another great season for the Milwaukee Bucks. He might not be the top favorite for the MVP, but he's playing at the same level or even better than when he won his first two MVP Awards.
Just like KD, the problem for Giannis this season has been his health. In addition to entering health and safety protocols, Giannis was nursing a leg injury for several games. But if he can remain healthy throughout the season, he has a good chance at winning another MVP and his second NBA championship.
Name: Nikola Jokic
Team: Denver Nuggets
Stats: 25.9 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 56.5% FG, 32.7 PER
Team Record: 16-16
Games Missed: 5
Team Record w/out: 1-4
The reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic is having an even better season than last year. Jokic is arguably an all-around player and has the Denver Nuggets to a .500 record this season. The Nuggets have been decimated by injuries to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
The Nuggets have been hampered by injuries and COVID protocols but remain in Playoff contention due to Jokic's efforts. Even though his stats are probably one of the greatest ever, the Nuggets' final record at the end of the season could hinder Jokic from repeating as MVP.
