The Most Valuable Player award has become a difficult ballot due to the numerous conversations involving history and race. Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo played outstandingly, but their performances were overshadowed by these unnecessary conversations. Determining the criteria for selecting the NBA awards often leads to different answers, making the process nerve-wracking. The writer’s MVP ballot had Joel Embiid in first place, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić. Tatum and Sabonis also deserved a mention. The Most Improved Player award went to Lauri Markkanen, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Trey Murphy. The top three contenders for the MVP award were head and shoulders above the rest, and there was no wrong answer. Antetokounmpo is considered the best player in the game, and Jokić was a monster yet again. Embiid, being an absolute monster on defense and giving his all to his performances, took it over the top, and he deserved to win.

Source – Yahoo Sports

Date – 4/11/23