What makes an NBA MVP? Every single year, this question becomes the catalyst for debates around the community, as the criteria for actually winning the award seemingly change all the time.
On Twitter, the conversation took new life when OKC Thunder rookie Josh Giddey shared his take on the definition of the “most valuable player.”
the most valuable player is the player that makes the most players valuable
— josh giddey (@joshgiddey) March 26, 2022
According to Giddey, the MVP is the one who makes his teammates better when he’s on the court.
In the comments, various opinions came to the surface from fans who agreed and disagreed with the definition.
https://twitter.com/AMA122345/status/1507833039849725959
I'll take the unstoppable scorers that don't rely on creating looks for others>>>
— Donnie (@Donnie_esp) March 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/WashDCWiz/status/1507835475205279755
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) March 26, 2022
— DannyDimes4MVP (@Dimes4MVP) March 26, 2022
The most valuable player is the player that makes his team valuable. The player that is the difference between his team being a lottery team vs championship contender.
— DistriCt Darrell (@KeyMontana_) March 27, 2022
AKA who brings the most value out of his team, aka makes his team valuable. Jokic and Denver Nuggets, the absolute definition of an MVP and it’s clear as day.
— Steven Bind (@bindfl300) March 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/Flight23Whites/status/1507848935179755524
— MO$T INFAMOU$ ΔΞUCE (@CoachCousin) March 27, 2022
It’s a solid thought process from Giddey, but it may not help narrow down the candidates this season.
So far, there are three frontrunners for the MVP: Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokouonmpo.
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid finally has a co-star that he can share the load with. For most of the season, though, he was able to hold down the fort all on his own. Despite the drama happening behind the scenes, he carried the Sixers to a respectable place in the East by stepping up in the big moments and working to maximize the play of the guys around him.
Jokic, meanwhile, has done something similar with the Nuggets. Without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Denver is 6th in the West thanks to the Joker. As one of the most versatile offensive bigs in the NBA, his ability to set up his teammates and score in a multitude of ways has been essential to Denver’s success.
Finally, there’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. While his game is somewhat limited, the sheer dominance he has on the court helps make things easier for the rest of his crew. Plus, what he does on the defensive end ensures the Bucks always stay competitive.
With just a few more weeks until the end of the regular season, time is running out for each player to make his case. No doubt, all eyes will be on them as things draw to a close.
And, as always, the conversation and criteria for the MVP award itself will be a topic of heavy discussion and debate.
