The 2023-24 NBA Most Valuable Player race has predominantly shaped into a three-way competition involving Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.
While the reigning MVP, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, was initially a major frontrunner, his candidacy has been disqualified due to missing several games following a meniscus injury.
The league introduced a new criterion this season, mandating that a player must participate in a minimum of 65 games, logging at least 20 minutes in each, to be eligible for major awards such as the Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, as well as the All-NBA, and All-Defensive Teams.
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Other NBA players who deserve more MVP love
1. Domantas Sabonis
Sabonis not only stands out as an under-the-radar MVP candidate but also experienced one of the most significant All-Star snubs in NBA history when he was left off the Western Conference All-Stars roster earlier this month in the exhibition game held in Indiana.
Presently leading the league in triple-doubles with 21 and averaging an impressive 13.2 boards per game, he has become the Kings' most crucial player as they strive to move out of the play-in range.
2. Donovan Mitchell
The Cavs are currently experiencing an impressive run, securing a 16-4 record in their last 20 games and unexpectedly claiming the second spot in the Eastern Conference.
Star Donovan Mitchell leads this charge and has been instrumental, with averages of 28.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 46 games this season.
3. Jayson Tatum
Celtics star Jayson Tatum seems oddly overlooked in MVP discussions, even though the Celtics are leading the Eastern Conference and boast the best record in the entire NBA.
Traditionally, the best player on the team with the best record would receive consideration, but the 25-year-old has been overlooked despite impressive averages of 27.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 55 games.
4. Anthony Edwards
The Minnesota Timberwolves have shown significant improvement from the previous season, now standing as the top team in the Western Conference with the best record at 42-17 after being the 8th seed last year with a 42-40 slate.
Anthony Edwards has been the standout player for them, averaging 26.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 56 games.
However, despite his impressive season, the clamor for him to contend for the league's top individual honor has been relatively and surprisingly muted.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has consistently delivered unbelievable numbers throughout the years, showcasing himself as one of the best players in the world. However, his MVP campaign has not garnered much attention due to the Bucks' early-season struggles.
Despite this, with impressive averages of 30.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.3 steals, he could emerge as a dark horse for the award, especially considering the Bucks' rapid improvement under new coach Doc Rivers.
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