JJ Redick is one of the most respected minds in basketball media right now, with his breakdown of the MVP race being highly anticipated. Redick has planted his flag with Team Nikola Jokic, saying the Serbian should win MVP with Luka Doncic coming in second place ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“MVP for me, again, it came down to 3 guys, it came down to Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Ultimately, I gave, by the slightest of margins, I gave my vote to Nikola Jokic for MVP. I had Luka Doncic in second, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in third, I had Jayson Tatum in fourth in MVP, and Jalen Brunson in fifth in MVP. Giannis was the other guy I gave consideration to, just outside the top 5.”
Redick elaborated.
“I think Jokic was the best basketball player in the NBA this season, I think Luka was the second best basketball player in the NBA this season. You certainly have to factor in the injuries the Dallas Mavericks had, the trades mid-season, trying to integrate a rookie center, and I get all of that. It’s probably why I weighed him slightly ahead of Shai, who led the second-youngest team in the NBA to first place in the Western Conference.”
.@jj_redick shares who he voted for MVP.
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It’s hard to dispute anyone’s MVP vote this season if it goes to one of Jokic, Doncic, or Shai. All three players have had phenomenal seasons, with SGA and Jokic tying for 57 wins in one of the most competitive Western Conference ever. Doncic ended with 50 wins, but his statistical dominance blew both SGA and Jokic out of the water.
Doncic averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists this season, while Shai put up 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. Jokic’s numbers might look less appealing compared to them, averaging 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, but Jokic has once again dominated the advanced stats, leading the NBA for win shares, player efficiency rating, and value over replacement player.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander And Nikola Jokic Reacted To This Season’s MVP Race
The MVP race this season has been heated, with Jokic and Shai competing against each other all season long before Doncic’s improved Mavericks allowed him to return to the conversation. While Doncic hasn’t given any major answer on what this year’s MVP race is shaping up to be, both Jokic and Shai have discussed it in recent weeks.
Shai admitted his desire to win the trophy but recognized that his contenders could win it and be just as deserving.
“I hope I get it, yes. I think all the guys are deserving, all have their case. Whatever happens, happens. But whoever gets it is deserving for sure.”
Jokic isn’t new to the MVP conversation, blasting the narratives being spread this year and believing that other players deserve the award more than him.
“I think the whole MVP conversation is getting out of control,” said Jokic. “I think I’m playing good basketball… I think a couple of guys deserve to have the award.”
MVP agendas are often pushed by the people around a player. The entire Mavericks organization started wearing ‘Pravi MVP’ t-shirts to honor Luka, with the Jordan Brand even using the term for a billboard campaign ahead of the playoffs. Shai and Jokic have had multiple coaches and teammates vouch for their MVP case in public.
People can downplay it, but winning the MVP is an honor. It looks like Jokic will pick up his third MVP honor in four years, but Luka and Shai might just be perennial contenders in this race.
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