When Adam Silver initiated an indefinite ban on NBA activity, the MVP race cam screeching to a hault.
Everybody knows it was a two-horse race between LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo and, before the Coronavirus pandemic, Bron was making up significant ground.
But in a new poll taken by 70 media members, it’s Giannis who holds a tight lead.
(via ESPN)
In a survey of 70 media members who cover the league, Antetokounmpo was the clear leader in MVP balloting, earning 60 of the 70 possible first-place votes to open a commanding lead over James, who had an equally commanding lead over the rest of the field.
Hot starts for Antetokounmpo and James, as well as Dallas Mavericks prodigy Luka Doncic and Houston Rockets star James Harden, saw all four of them receive first place votes in the first edition of this straw poll back in December. Since then, however, only Antetokounmpo and James have managed to keep up that same pace.
The news shouldn’t surprise anyone. Giannis has been on an absolute tear this season, averaging 29.6 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 54% shooting.
The Bucks have been the NBA’s best team this season, boasting the best record and dominating opponents at an impressive level.
LeBron, meanwhile, has somehow managed to stay elite at 35-years-old. He’s helping lead the Lakers to a Championship run behind his brilliant offensive and defensive repertoire.
Clearly, though, it’s not enough to give him an edge in the MVP discussion.
