In every NBA season, we see superstars step up their game and prove why they are the best in the world. With the ongoing regular season almost at its end, we are seeing various top players making a case to take home arguably the best individual award, which is to be named the NBA MVP. It is a prestigious award given to the best player of the regular season.
So far, in the top five, there are common names such as last year’s Finals MVP LeBron James, reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, and former award winner James Harden.
Although there are new faces in consideration such as leading candidate Nikola Jokic, there are still a handful of great players who are surprisingly not even getting a look in the MVP conversation. For this piece, let’s take a look at five great players who aren’t given the NBA MVP consideration they deserve.
Trae Young
NBA MVP Argument In Counting Stat Form: 25.4 points, 9.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.2 blocks
The Atlanta Hawks have made great improvements this season. From being a cellar dwelling team, they are now sitting at the fourth seed of the Eastern Conference which gives them a decent chance of finally ending their playoff drought. A huge part of their success this year is the solid play of Trae Young. Sure, the Hawks made roster changes during the offseason to surround their young star and even trasnferred the coaching reigns to Nate McMillan. Although these were critical factors to their accomplishment this season, Young’s leadership to step up in big moments has been highly valuable for the Hawks as well.
With his ability to score in multiple ways and to facilitate the offense, the Hawks have been able to close out games better. In fact, the one time All-Star recently dropped 42 points and nine assists, while shooting 60% overall from the field to lead his team to a 12 point victory over the Zach LaVine-led Chicago Bulls.
Young isn’t considered by many as a superstar. In fact, he was even snubbed during this year’s All-Star Game. However, he is one of the best rising stars of the game that has helped steadied the Hawks ship into winning ways through his elite scoring. With his team success and All-Star like numbers, he should at least have his name float around in the MVP conversation.
Paul George
NBA MVP Argument In Counting Stat Form: 23.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.4 blocks
Paul George has established himself as one of the elite forwards in the league for the past few years, as he was even among the finalists for the 2018-2019 MVP Award. Unfortunately, MVP talks about him have mellowed down ever since he experienced a string of playoff meltdowns. Furthermore, his entrance to the Los Angeles Clippers only moved him more out of the MVP picture, with Kawhi Leonard taking the reigns of the team. By playing second option to Leonard, who is a top five candidate to win the MVP this year, George’s stats showed a a great drop compared to his MVP caliber season.
However, this season has been better for PG. The seven time All-Star is putting up one of the best seasons of his career individually. But more importantly, his contributions has helped the Clippers hold a 39-18 win-loss card, which is good enough to place them at the third seed of the Western Conference.
With Leonard getting a strong consideration to win the award this season, I’m pretty sure PG also deserves to be part of MVP talks given how he is a huge scoring threat for the Clippers. With his level of play slowly reverting back to his best form, who knows how much the Clippers can achieve this season.
Donovan Mitchell
NBA MVP Argument In Counting Stat Form: 26.5 points, 5.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 0.3 blocks
As the best player on the team with the best record, it is hard to believe that Donovan Mitchell isn’t a favorite to win the MVP Award. Under the leadership of Mitchell, the Jazz are holding a 41-14 win-loss card. Furthermore, the two time All-Star is also in the process of putting together the best season of his career which should’ve been enough to place him in the MVP picture.
A good reason why he isn’t getting as much MVP consideration is because of the impact that Rudy Gobert contributes for the team. Gobert’s presence in the paint has helped the team click on all cylinders as he provides double-doubles and anchors the defensive end of the floor. Because of this, the two time Defensive Player of the Year is a stronger candidate to win the MVP this year with Basketball Reference ranking him at seventh. In fact, he is also a favorite to win another Defensive Player of the Year trophy.
Although Gobert’s fine play this season has been highly valuable for the Jazz’ success, the MVP-like season of Mitchell should go noticed as well. It is safe to say that Mitchell has reached elite scoring levels this season as he is currently ranked seventh in total points and ninth in points per game. Furthermore, he also places in the Top 20 in multiple categories such as steals, field goals, and three point field goals. As the best player of the team with the best record, Mitchell deserves more credit to be a legitimate MVP candidate.
Devin Booker
NBA MVP Argument In Counting Stat Form: 25.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.3 blocks
The Phoenix Suns are on the rise this season, and their resurgence has begun ever since last season during the NBA bubble where Devin Booker led the team to an undefeated 8-0 streak. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to snag a ticket to advance to the playoffs.
But this year, the Suns are sitting at a respectable second seed with a 39-15 record which is almost a sure slot to advance to the postseason this time around. It isn’t a surprise that Booker is a major piece to the Suns’ return to relevancy, but it is shocking to see that he isn’t even part of the MVP picture.
Booker’s elite scoring has made the Suns a dangerous team in the West. The two time All-Star’s explosiveness makes him tough to guard, as he is also equipped with a smooth jumper. In fact, he is currently in the Top 20 in the leaders for points. Furthermore, he is also on track to break the single season points per game in the Suns’ franchise history. With Booker finally translating his individual production into team wins, it is just as well to consider him as part of this year’s wide open MVP race. Fortunately for Booker, he isn’t minding too much about the MVP race, as he is more focused on ending the franchise’s postseason drought.
According to Booker, he said “I’m more worried about getting these wins and more interested in getting the 1-seed in the West and playing in my first playoff appearance… That’s my main mindset. Whatever happens out in the world, that’s on everybody else.”
Chris Paul
NBA MVP Argument In Counting Stat Form: 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.2 blocks
Aside from Devin Booker, another Suns player that should make a case to win the NBA MVP is Chris Paul. With CP3’s arrival to Phoenix, the team has dramatically improved. The 11 time NBA All-Star has been a reliable playmaker that has made the lives of his teammates easier. But more importantly, he gives the team another reliable closer to finish tight games, which we witnessed when the Suns took down the number one seeded Utah Jazz. In fact, even Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley said that CP3 deserves a place in the MVP race.
In a segment of NBA on TNT, Barkley said “Early in the season, LeBron was MVP then Joel Embiid. Then James Harden was the MVP. You guys have to start giving my guy Chris Paul love for MVP. He’s been fantastic all season.”
And true enough, CP3 has indeed been fantastic. Despite being already 35 years of age, Paul’s stats aren’t showing any signs of decline due to Father Time. He is currently sitting in the Top 20 in terms of points per game. Furthermore, he is also in the Top Five when it comes to total assists and assists per game which only proves the fact that he is indeed the Point God. Combined with the success the Suns have had this season, Paul definitely deserves a lot more MVP love.
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