NBA MVP Race For 2021-22: Giannis, Doncic Top Contenders

NBA 2021-22 season is on the cards as the preseason is slated to start from October 4. 2021. Denver Nuggets Nikola Jovic won the MVP of the last season. Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo won the title for two consecutive seasons before Nikola Jovic. Giannis Antetokounmpo also won the ring this season with the Bucks for the first time in his career. Let’s have a look at the top favorites to win the MVP for the 2021-22 season.

NBA MVP Race For 2021-22: Top 5 Contenders

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis has been one of the constant favorites since the past 4 seasons to win the MVP before it kickoff. The Greek might not consider himself to be at the paramount of the NBA, but his stats do all the talking. The 26-year-old “Greek Freak” averages 28.0 points, a total of 11.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 56% shooting in the last 4 seasons. Now here is another mind-blowing stat, Giannis averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists to win the NBA Finals MVP in the 2020-21 season.

2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

If not for Dallas Mavericks’ inconsistent form in the playoff, Luka Doncic would have been a top candidate for the NBA MVP in the last season, and rightfully so. However, Doncic and Mavericks are expected to turn things this season around.

To start with, coach Mark Cuban will certainly modify Doncic’s match-winning abilities this season. Dallas has also signed Jason Kidd to replace Rick Carlisle as they are desperately looking out for more talents to rejuvenate the side. If Dallas comes up with the good this season, Doncic will surely give his best shot to make it to the top NBA MVP candidates this season.

3. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

Now we are aware of the fact that KD has only featured in 35 games over the course of two seasons. Some might also argue that is he really in the best shape of his career at the age of 32 to win the MVP in the most difficult basketball tournament in the world. The critics might just be right, but no one can question KD’s spirit to fight back to his best.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP is still one of the best in the league, without a doubt. He is still the dominating force he is known for. The Grim Reaper averaged a total of 34.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists with a 40% shooting record from distance in 12 playoff games in the 2020-21 season. The stats are enough to still tip him to be one of the top three in the league.

4. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry seemingly silenced all his critics and once again showed us he is right there with a list of NBA legends with his performance in the last season. Curry dropped some lustrous games in NBA 2020-21. Despite the Warriors failing to reach the playoffs last season, Curry averaged 32.0 points, with 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 48% shooting. The Warriors are expected to fight for the title this season with the return of Klay Thompson. If the Warriors manage to get anywhere near the title this season, Curry might end up becoming one of the oldest players to win the NBA MVP award.

NBA MVP Race For 2021-22

5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Jokic took up the charge and proved his mettle in the absence of Jamal Murray last season. Jovic went on to become the 2020-21 NBA MVP of the season. After Murray picked up an ACL injury, Denver saw themselves going 17-8 in the season. Jovic averaged 31.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in Nuggets’ poor season. Jovic can repeat his last year’s form and rightfully contest for the NBA MVP this season as well.

NBA MVP Race For 2021-22: Other Players Who Can Win It

1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
4. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
5. James Harden, Brooklyn Nets

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