“Those three guys could finish in the top 5 for MVP” – NBA analyst lists his early MVP candidates for the season
With the NBA season starting, a number of stars are already making their case in the MVP race. It takes a lot to cement yourself as an MVP candidate after just two weeks, but that's been just the case for three players.
One of those includes Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic. Heading into the season, Doncic was a popular selection to win his first MVP award. Doncic has lived up to the lofty expectations so far. In his first four games, Luka is averaging 36.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game.
Milwaukee Bucks forward antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Giannis Antetokounmpo and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant have also impressed. Antetokounmpo is averaging 36.0 ppg and 13.0 rpg. Morant is right there as well, posting averages of 32.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 6.8 apg.
The performances of the trio have gotten the attention of NBA analyst Frank Isola. On "SiriusXM NBA Radio," Isola talked about how impressive the players were in person. Isola got an opportunity to work each of the Brooklyn Nets games in which the superstars all put on a show.
"There's a very good chance ... that those three guys could finish in the top five for MVP," Isola said.
41 PTS, 11 REB, 14 AST, 3 STLLuka’s stats in OT win against the Nets last night:
🏀 41 PTS, 11 REB, 14 AST, 3 STL
@TheFrankIsola and @Scalabrine have been impressed with 3 guys that played against Brooklyn this week
@dallasmavs | #MFFL https://t.co/ZjdulMPAVf
Luka Doncic, Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo off to strong start in MVP race
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant and Luka Doncic have all become stars. The trio have gotten off to sensational starts to begin the season.
Doncic has previously been a contender for the MVP award. But many believe Luka, still just 23 years old, has the opportunity to take another step forward this year. It's been clear early on that the Mavericks (2-2) seem to have more talent this season.
Doncic is fresh off Thursday's eye-opening performance against the Brooklyn Nets, finishing with 41 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists in a 129-125 overtime win.
Luka Doncic was SPECTACULAR in the @dallasmavs' OT win, GOING OFF for a 41-point triple-double! #MFFL
🪄 @luka7doncic: 41 PTS, 11 REB, 14 AST, 3 STL https://t.co/f8IA37xFGQ
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is no stranger to the MVP conversation. Giannis won the award in consecutive years (2018-2019 and 2019-20). Out of the trio, Antetokounmpo is having the best team success. The Milwaukee Bucks (3-0) are set to take on the New York Knicks (3-1) on Friday.
The wild card of the group is Ja Morant, who is playing at an elite level. Morant took a huge step forward last year, winning the Most Improved Player award. It looks as if the 23-year-old guard has taken another leap this season as well. Morant and the Grizzlies (4-1) next play against the Utah Jazz (4-1) on Saturday.
Antetokounmpo and Doncic are sure to find themselves in the MVP discussion throughout the year. If Ja Morant can stay healthy, he might be right there with them.