Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic consistently have their names in several NBA MVP race trackers.
If he had not been injured, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers would be a Top 1-2 player.
Whether on eye tests or special analytics, they come out on top.
Aside from being good basketball players, another common denominator between them is that they are all international players.
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Antetokounmpo, Jokic, and Embiid share five MVP awards between themselves. Before them, it took Steven Nash (Canadian) 11 seasons to win the award for an international player since Hakeem Olajuwon.
Nigerian-Greek Giannis won his first in 2019, 13 years since Nash.
Recent NBA MVP trackers have the same names, with Jokic, Shai, and Luka making up the top three. For this season, the likelihood of the top individual award going to a non-American player is high.
The NBA is no longer an American-dominated sport. If they want it back, they have to steal it.
Which American players are capable of doing so?
There are young studs who have the mentality to take over and there are veterans who not only think they can still dominate but are showing it night in and night out.
Special mention: Tyrese Haliburton, Chet Holmgren, Zion Williamson.
1. Anthony Edwards
It should not be debated that the Minnesota Timberwolves star is one of the league's Top 10 players.
Edwards is only 22, and he is not yet at his peak. Once he gets there, it might be game over for others.
Each week, he produces a documentary-worthy highlight. He also has a good relationship with the media.
The 2020 first-overall pick is not supposed to grow this fast. He was expected to become the Robin to Karl Anthony Town's Batman, but he is too good to become a secondary option.
Now, he is the team's leading scorer and does not hesitate to put his health above the team. That trait alone makes him an MVP.
2. Jayson Tatum
Tatum has been in the league longer than Edwards, and it is baffling that he is not getting MVP recognition.
It may be because he matured quickly into his role, unlike other players with better story arcs.
The Boston Celtics are always in the top tier of NBA title contention, and each season since his rookie year, he has been the team's top scorer.
Although there is no love from the NBA media, Tatum, who leads his team in points and rebounds, can win the most prestigious individual award in the league.
It is challenging to lead a team with so much firepower, but he is doing that effortlessly for the 2023-2024 season in Boston.
What can he do to enter MVP discussions? His endgame decisions can be faulty, and he needs to improve.
3. Kevin Durant
KD got his first in 2014. Can he get another one ten years after? When he is already over 35?
With the way he is playing, it is hard to count him out.
He is currently the league's fourth-best scorer at 27.8. Scoring-wise, he is the best American player in the league right now, sitting behind Doncic, Antetounmpo, and Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Phoenix Suns are still finding their identity, but KD has been consistent since Day 1.
His offensive prowess has never left him, but what's impressive about KD post-injury is that his defense has leveled up, too. He is currently the Suns' best shot blocker with 1.2 per game.
KD can take over any game, and that's what makes him dangerous. He can steal the game, and, given the right circumstances, he can still win the MVP award.
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