The MVP award is the most important regular season achievement that an NBA superstar can win in his career. Some of the greatest MVPs ever include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James, while Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid are responsible for the last three MVP trophies.
There are also some other big-name stars in the NBA right now that are putting up monster numbers and continue to improve their games but they won’t get a chance to win an MVP. Due to intense competition at their positions and factors such as injury history and popularity, these 10 superstars won’t ever win the MVP trophy in their careers.
1. Kawhi Leonard
Career Statistics: 19.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
For Kawhi Leonard, injuries have been a significant hurdle throughout his career, as he has played under 65 games every season since 2015-17. He hasn’t played at least 60 games since 2018-19, and he won’t get healthier going forward which will hurt his MVP chances. Additionally, playing alongside other star players like Paul George and James Harden in the Clippers’ lineup may dilute his statistical impact, making it harder for him to stand out in the MVP race, even if the team performs well.
Furthermore, Leonard’s age, nearing 33, presents a challenge as he competes against younger and healthier players who may have longer prime years ahead of them. Given these factors, Leonard’s chances of winning an MVP award are diminished, despite his undeniable talent and impact on the game.
2. Devin Booker
Career Statistics: 24.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Devin Booker faces stiff competition for MVP consideration due to several factors. Firstly, playing alongside other high-profile scorers like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal may limit his opportunities to stand out statistically and garner MVP votes. While Booker is often regarded as one of the top shooting guards in the world, he faces intense competition from rising stars like Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell, who are younger and may have longer prime years ahead of them.
Being in contention for the title of the best shooting guard rather than indisputably holding that title could also hinder Booker’s MVP chances. Finally, at 27 years old with four All-Star appearances, Booker’s resume is impressive, but he may face challenges in convincing voters to award him the MVP over younger players with more potential for growth and impact on the league.
3. Anthony Davis
Career Statistics: 24.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG
Despite his immense talent and past accomplishments, including his near MVP contention in the 2018-19 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Davis’ chances of reaching that level again are slim. One major hindrance is his injury history, which has plagued him throughout his career. This inconsistency in staying healthy has prevented him from playing a full season and establishing the consistent performance necessary to garner MVP consideration.
Moreover, Davis is approaching 31 years old, an age where durability and recovery become even more challenging, especially given his injury-prone history. Additionally, there are concerns about his ability to lead a team, particularly once LeBron James retires. While Davis is undoubtedly a phenomenal talent, questions about his leadership qualities and ability to carry a team on his own may further diminish his MVP prospects.
4. Zion Williamson
Career Statistics: 24.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Concerns about Zion Williamson’s weight gain in recent seasons have raised questions about his long-term health and fitness, which could affect his ability to maintain peak performance and durability on the court. Additionally, Williamson’s injury history, highlighted by his career-high of 61 games played in the 2020-21 season, suggests that he may struggle to stay healthy enough to be a consistent MVP contender going forward.
Furthermore, Williamson’s popularity among voters may be affected by his inability to lead the Pelicans to a strong team record. The team’s success could be compromised by difficult decisions regarding Williamson and Brandon Ingram’s roles and futures with the team. This potential instability within the organization could hinder Williamson’s MVP candidacy, as voters often consider a player’s impact on their team’s overall success when evaluating MVP candidates.
5. Ja Morant
Career Statistics: 22.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Ja Morant’s behavioral issues may affect his image and standing among voters, as off-court conduct can influence perceptions of a player’s maturity and professionalism. Additionally, while Morant is undeniably talented, he faces stiff competition at the point guard position in the NBA, with players like Tyrese Haliburton emerging as formidable contenders.
Haliburton’s comparison to a young Steve Nash highlights his exceptional playmaking and leadership abilities, which could potentially overshadow Morant’s candidacy if he continues to excel. Furthermore, unless Morant can elevate his game to the level of legendary players like Allen Iverson, who won an MVP award at a young age, his chances of securing MVP honors may be limited. Despite Morant’s youth at 24 years old and his undeniable talent, overcoming these obstacles and establishing himself as a top-tier point guard in the NBA will be essential for his MVP aspirations.
6. Donovan Mitchell
Career Statistics: 25.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
While he is often mentioned in discussions about the best shooting guards in the NBA, Donovan Mitchell’s impact on team success may not be as significant as other players in the MVP conversation. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including team dynamics, roster composition, and individual performance metrics.
Furthermore, Mitchell’s future with the Cavaliers is uncertain, and the possibility of him leaving the team could create additional challenges for his MVP aspirations. Uncertainty about his long-term team situation could detract from his candidacy, as MVP voters often consider a player’s impact on their team’s success and stability.
7. Damian Lillard
Career Statistics: 25.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Damian Lillard’s chances of winning an MVP award are influenced by several factors, as you mentioned. During his tenure as a star player with the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard was unable to secure the MVP despite his remarkable performances and leadership on the court. Now, as he transitions to a new role as a sidekick to Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks, his MVP aspirations face additional challenges.
Playing alongside a dominant force like Antetokounmpo may limit Lillard’s opportunities to stand out individually and receive the recognition necessary for MVP consideration. Despite his consistent excellence, including back-to-back victories in the three-point contest and multiple All-Star selections, Lillard’s days of being a frontrunner for the MVP award may indeed be behind him.
Furthermore, as Lillard approaches 34 years old, age becomes a factor. While he remains an elite player, voters may be more inclined to reward younger, up-and-coming stars who have yet to reach their prime.
8. Jalen Brunson
Career Statistics: 16.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Jalen Brunson’s impressive performances this season have certainly elevated his profile in the NBA, but his chances of winning the MVP award face significant challenges. Despite averaging impressive numbers of 27.6 points and 6.6 assists per game, Brunson faces stiff competition at the point guard position from established stars like Damian Lillard and emerging talents like Tyrese Haliburton and Donovan Mitchell.
Additionally, Brunson’s partnership with another All-Star player in Julius Randle may dilute his impact and limit his opportunities to stand out in the MVP race. While his statistical production is noteworthy, it may not be enough to overshadow the performances of more established stars or rising talents who command greater attention and recognition from voters.
Furthermore, at 27 years old, Brunson may not have the same upside or potential for growth as younger players like Haliburton, making it more difficult for him to capture MVP votes over the long term.
9. Jimmy Butler
Career Statistics: 18.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Jimmy Butler’s leadership and playoff prowess are undeniable, but his chances of winning the MVP award may be limited due to various factors. As he approaches 35 years old, Butler’s focus on leading the Miami Heat to championship contention rather than individual accolades may impact his MVP candidacy. Unlike some other players who prioritize regular-season statistics and performances, Butler’s value often shines brightest in the postseason, where he has a history of elevating his game and leading his team deep into playoff runs.
Additionally, Butler’s role as a leader and facilitator for the Heat may not always translate into eye-popping statistical averages that typically garner MVP attention. While his contributions on both ends of the floor are invaluable to his team’s success, his numbers may not reflect the statistical dominance often associated with MVP candidates.
Furthermore, with younger and more statistically prolific players often dominating MVP discussions, Butler’s age and playing style may not align with the traditional criteria that MVP voters consider. Instead, his impact as a leader, defender, and clutch performer may be better appreciated in the context of playoff success rather than regular-season MVP voting.
10. Paul George
Career Statistics: 20.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Paul George’s quest for an MVP award faces significant challenges, particularly due to his role as the second-best player on his team, playing alongside superstars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. This dynamic may limit George’s opportunities to stand out individually and command the attention of MVP voters, as his statistical production may not compare favorably to past MVP winners such as Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
Furthermore, while George is a talented and versatile player, his numbers may not reach the same heights as those of past MVP recipients, particularly given the wealth of talent around him on the same team. MVP winners often boast exceptional statistical averages and impact their teams’ success, factors that may not be as pronounced for George given his role in a star-studded lineup.
Honorable Mention
De’Aaron Fox
Career Statistics: 20.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG
De’Aaron Fox’s impressive skills and statistical performance make him a standout point guard in the NBA this season (26.8 PPG, 5.6 APG). However, his chances of winning the MVP award are hindered by several factors. Firstly, Fox competes in a Western Conference filled with elite point guards, such as Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and Chris Paul, among others. These players are often prioritized in MVP discussions due to their consistent excellence and impact on their respective teams’ success.
Additionally, Fox’s partnership with Domantas Sabonis may further diminish his individual MVP candidacy. While both players are talented in their own right, MVP voters may view them as a duo rather than evaluating their contributions separately. This could potentially dilute Fox’s MVP chances, as voters may be more inclined to recognize single stars who have a larger statistical and leadership impact on their teams.
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