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NBA MVP Conundrum & Young Timberwolves Loading?

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The most talked about and speculated topic from start to finish of the NBA season is the most valuable player award. The critically acclaimed accolade has been the difference-maker for numerous legacies in NBA history and resumes for potential Hall of Fame inductees. The definition of the award has ranged from the “best player on the best team” to “the player who had the best season” to “the best player in the world” and all sorts of narratives. Objectively speaking though, it’s really a combination of them all. At the end of the day though, the term valuable should hold the most weight.

It’s the reason Steve Nash’s back-to-back MVPs left Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal disgruntled about their recognizable campaigns in both 2005 and 2006. “Twice, two times in a row. He got two, I got one, Kobe got one. Somethings wrong with that picture.” That was Shaquille O’Neal answering Ernie Johnson’s question about his resentment over Steve Nash’s MVPs on NBA Open Court back in 2010. Especially Kobe Bryant who averaged 35 points a game back in 2006 in an era where the pace of the game was much slower and not heavily dependent on the three-point shot. Doing so while carrying the load for an incompetent subpar Lakers squad taking on the responsibility of being the primary scorer, playmaker, defender making his imprint on all facets of the game all without a formidable star player beside him. Not taking anything away from Nash who was the focal point of the Mike D’Antoni revolutionary offense “Seven Seconds or Less” that won 50 plus games that year. Nash was undisputedly the best point guard in the league at the time. But this was over a guy that unleashed his infamous 81 vs the Toronto Raptors, erupted for a 60 point in a three-quarter barrage on the Dallas Mavericks, and had numerous 30 and 40 point game streaks all throughout the season. Doing so while dragging that inept Los Angeles Lakers roster to a long-fought seven-game first-round series vs the second-seeded Suns. Nash did not mean more to his team than Bryant at the time or at any point in his career and it’s not an indictment on him but that’s just how special the late Kobe Bryant was at the time. 

It’s not always about who’s the more superior talented player but the award has always been propped up as a measuring stick when comparing players. Back in 2009, in which Lebron won his first of back-to-back MVPs, he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a whopping 66 wins. Dwayne Wade, however, who hit his apex and peak in terms of athleticism, ability, and durability that very same year, carried the Miami Heat to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Wade led the league in scoring, pouring in 30 a night along with five rebounds, and seven assists. Wade made All-NBA first team and All-NBA Defensive second team despite finishing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and averaging more steals and blocks per game than two first-team All-Defensive nominations (Kobe Bryant & Lebron James). “In 2008-2009, it [the MVP trophy] had my name on it, but it doesn’t got my name on it, I’ll just leave it at that.” This was Wade’s response touching upon fan questions on Instagram live a couple of years back. Wade averaged more points, assists, steals, blocks, and a better FG% than Lebron that year. Even with Lebron’s record-breaking win shares that season, the most since Michael Jordan in 1996 and continued stat-stuffed scoring sheet just by eye test you could tell that Dwayne Wade was just about everything to the Miami Heat roster. His value was immense especially on both sides of the floor. That type of two-way production on the court has only been maintained and duplicated by a few since. It’s a reason Dwayne Wade’s 2008-09 usage rate topped all players and still ranks as the 11th highest usage rate in NBA history. Kobe Bryant’s usage rate in 2005-2006 currently ranks third in NBA history at 38.4. This is just a measure of how we may define what an NBA MVP caliber player’s season looks like. 

The narrative around Russell Westbrook’s 2016-17 MVP season (highest usage rate in NBA history) was that the only reason he had the edge on runner up James Harden was that he averaged a triple-double that whole season despite Harden leading the Rockets to 55 wins and leading the league in assists. Nonetheless, just like Bryant and Wade in the past, Westbrook, who was just departed by then running mate Kevin Durant in free agency, did not have a lot of time to figure out how to maximize that Thunder roster. After leading the league in scoring and making history as the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for a season, Westbrook that very 2017 first-round playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets endured that same grueling load he was forced to carry throughout the regular season. The Oklahoma City Thunder outscored the Houston Rockets 4.9 points per 100 possessions with Westbrook on the floor. With Westbrook off the floor, the Thunder were outscored by 51.3 points per 100 possessions, which was actually a grand total of 46 minutes across the five games including a mind-blowing Game 5 where Westbrook sat six minutes, and in those six minutes, the Rockets outscored the Thunder 27-9. Even if Westbrook perhaps averaged a mere 30/8/10 instead, leading that roster to 47 wins and the sixth seed was more telling about his special year. The triple-double records were just the frosting on the cake justifying the pure definition of valuable. With that being said everyone has their own definition of what an MVP is, especially in the clickbait-slander era that exists today we’re forced to accept and live with it. 

Nass’ 2021 MVP voting results:

  • Denver Nuggets C/PG Nikola Jokic
  • Per Game: 26.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 8.5 assists  (leads team in all) (all career highs)
  • NBA leader in PER
  • Shooting splits: 56% FG / 41% 3P FG  (career high) / 86% FT (career high) 64.8 TS%
  • 55 double-doubles (leads NBA), 15 triple doubles  
  • Nuggets are 9-2 since Jamal Murray season-ending ACL tear
  • Currently third in Western Conference
  • Most games played of top five candidates (all 65 games thus far)

The Joker has been the most consistent superstar this season and the Nuggets records show. Jokic continues to display his wide array of offensive skills and why he’s the most skilled big man to lace them up. He’s a threat from anywhere on the floor that and his multi-dimensional role as the Nuggets primary playmaker and scorer is the main reason opponents are unable to game plan and contain this prolific offense. Jokic has single handily dictated every offensive possession whether he’s on/off the ball, screener/roller, ball handler, in the post. The Joker is the reason the Nuggets will be making a deep playoff run in the late spring. 

  • C Joel Embiid 
  • Per Game: 29.2 points (career-high), 10.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks 
  • Most dominant player this year 
  • Third in NBA in PPG
  • 76ers 9-10 record without Embiid this season
    • Shooting splits: 51% FG / 37% 3P FG / 86% FT (all career highs) 63.5 TS%
    • 27 double-doubles
  • Third in NBA in most free throws attempted 

Joel Embiid has been the most unstoppable force in the NBA this season. Even with the likes of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Lebron James all playing earlier this season as well. No one in the league has had an answer for Embiid on the offensive end, he’s posting career bests in free throws attempted and free throws made a game. Embiid’s offensive arsenal has expanded on the block where he’s now comfortably creating a shot off the dribble. These are series of moves that guards and wings perform on a nightly basis, the difference is Embiid is 7’0 280 pounds and he’s countering these moves into his already elite Olajuwon esque post footwork. It’s not a surprise opposing big man has not come up with a tactic on how to slow him down and most likely won’t as long as he’s healthy. “I want to win and as far as MVP, I’ve been dominant all season. I’m not gonna be here to try and push myself, but I know that I’ve been dominant all season. We got a number one seed, when I got the ball, it’s either a foul or a bucket, or if I take whatever the defense gives me so I feel like I’m right there. I feel like that’s mine.” Defensively he’s still one of the most impactful defenders and rim protectors in the league. If it wasn’t for his injury woes and missed time the MVP would’ve already had his name on it.  

  • PF/SF Giannis Antetokounmpo
  • Per Game: 28.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.3 blocks  
  • Only player to average 25/10/5/1/1 multiple times (1x Larry Bird, 1x DeMarcus Cousins, 1x Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
  • Fifth in NBA in PPG
  • Looking to become the first player to make three straight All-Defensive first teams since Kawhi Leonard (2014-2017)
  • Third in Eastern Conference

To be quite honest any other year the Greek Freak would be an undisputed MVP but because of voter’s fatigue and the Bucks playoff shortcomings he’s been a shocking afterthought. Arguably the best two-way player in the league Giannis’s flexibility and versatility on both sides of the floor is the main reason the Bucks are top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The addition of combo guard Jrue Holiday has allowed Giannis to focus on being aggressive scoring the basketball. Giannis leads the league in free-throw attempts and is sixth in free throws made so his constant assertiveness will go ways for them this postseason. This may be Giannis’ third straight year as an MVP finalist, the last person to finish top three in MVP voting in three straight seasons was James Harden who’s currently done it each of the past four seasons. 

  • G Stephen Curry
  • Per Game: 31 points (career-high), 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists 
  • Shooting splits: 48% FG / 42.7% 3P FG / 91.5% FT
  • Current NBA leader in PPG, 3PM/G, total 3PM, 40 pt games (9)
  • First player in NBA history to average 35+ points on 50/45/90% shooting in a month
  • Most 30-point games in a month by a player aged 33 or older (13) (Apr 2021)

Like Joel Embiid, Steph Curry has been an absolute cheat code this season. He’s put together a superior season to his unanimous MVP campaign back in 2016. The only knock on Curry’s insane season has been his team’s record. Not exactly an indictment on him or his playstyle but coming into this season the Warriors definitely had higher expectations especially with competent players such as Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Kelly Oubre Jr. and even promising young guns in Jordan Poole, Eric Paschall, and James Wiseman. We’ve seen other solo one-man show MVP caliber seasons in recent times from other acts such as Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook but the problem is all their teams made the postseason. If it wasn’t for the newly integrated play-in tournament the Warriors would be on the outside looking in the Western Conference. Whether it’s the void of Klay Thompson, the player personnel, or head coach Steve Kerr the underwhelming season the guys out in the Bay have endured may be the only reason Curry himself isn’t bringing home his third career most valuable player award. 

  • PF Julius Randle

 

  • Per Game: 24.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists (all career highs)
  • Shooting splits: 46.3 FG% / 42.7 3P FG% (career-high) / 81.1 FT% (career-high)
  • Eighth in NBA in double-doubles (38), Sixth in NBA in triple-doubles (5)
  • Knicks Fourth in Eastern Conference 
  • Looking to become 3rd player in NBA history to average 20/10/5 and shoot at least 40% from the three-point line (Larry Bird & Nikola Jokic) 

Julius Randle has been quite the revelation the New York Knickerbockers have needed. They’re looking to make their first playoff appearance since 2013. Contributors such as RJ Barrett, Derrick Rose, Immanuel Quickley, Nerlens Noel have been solid all year but they’re not in this position without Randle and vice versa. Randle’s perimeter jumper has made drastic progress as he’s now knocking down shots from all over with confidence. Whether it’s in the post, triple threat, off the dribble, catch and shoot Randle has been quite the shot creator. That says a lot for a guy who came into the league known for his freakish athletic ability and bullish playstyle at the rim. Now that he’s a threat from the perimeter and he’s become one of the game’s dangerous scorers. He’s a constant mismatch because he can play ball-handler and roller in pick and roll sets. Opposing wings and big men can’t stay in front of him because they have to respect his jumper and he’s a 6’8 250-pound freight train that was already a handful attacking the rim. Randle has been enhancing everyone’s playing ability as well. He’s unveiled a new wrinkle in his game playmaking and creating for others, something we were unsure he would ever be able to develop into. He’s blossomed into one of the game’s best all-around players and should receive some worthy MVP votes for being the catalyst behind the Knicks recent rebirth into relevancy. 

 

Young Timberwolves Loading?

When the Timberwolves traded for D’Angelo Russell last year they envisioned a two-man game with Karl Anthony-Towns that resembled a foundation they built once upon a time after drafting Stephon Marbury to go along with soon-to-be Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. The disastrous Timberwolves season has though shown glimpses of promise and optimism. Lottery pick and Rookie of the Year candidate Anthony Edwards has been nothing short of sensational all year. D-Lo and Towns’ up-down availability and Malik Beasley’s off-the-court troubles had allowed Edwards to have the green light to establish himself. Edwards is posting 18.5 points a night which leads all rookies. Edwards raw athletic stature and frame to go with his above-the-rim playstyle have drawn comparisons to Dwayne Wade but overall he’s a natural all-around scorer. Karl Anthony Towns is one of the most skilled offensive big men the league has seen in recent time. The former Kentucky standout has always been a prolific efficient shooter and scorer from all over the floor but this season he’s been making others around him better, averaging a career-best 4.6 assists a game. Playing some point center at the top of the key allows cutters and shooters to space the floor, running around pin-down screens to manipulate opposing defenses for easier scoring opportunities.

Similar tactics Mike Malone has used with Nikola Jokic with high pick and rolls/dribble handoffs have already shown in Minnesota. D’Angelo Russell’s playmaking and precision passing were what made GMs drool over his capabilities back when he was at Ohio State. The combo guard doesn’t possess the jump-out-the-room athletic ability but he’s an elite pick and roll maestro that uses his pace and craftiness to create an array for himself and others. The Timberwolves have gone 8-7 since D’Angelo Russell’s return from arthroscopic knee surgery to remove a loose body back in February. With the right role players surrounding Towns, Edwards, & Russell they could make quite the young scoring trio with their ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Floor general Ricky Rubio is well capable of running the show allowing Russell to play off the ball at times like we saw him do besides Spencer Dinwiddie back when he was an All-Star with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.

The best part about all these versatile offensive players the Wolves have is their flexibility to stagger their young guns with regulars off the bench and flirt with a lot of different lineups to mix up defenses. Towns and Russell who are both shooting close to 40% from deep this season can be quite the unstoppable pick and roll/pop duo in the NBA with their dual-threat ability to score inside and out. Opponents must respect Anthony Edwards’ confidence to shoot from the outside as well and that’ll only make him a more dangerous slasher. Edwards has evolved as a pick-and-roll ball-handler which only makes his star ceiling even higher. Malik Beasley was a 20 point game scorer prior to his suspension. Naz Reid and Josh Okogie are solid secondary contributors and even Ricky Rubio at 30 years old can still run an NBA offense to its peak. If the young trio of D-Lo/Towns/Edwards don’t stumble to too much isolation basketball in the half-court and the front office can figure out how to bolster a team’s defense that ranks in the bottom five in major defensive categories such as point allowed, opposing FG%, and defensive rating the Wolves will be in the mix within the next couple of years for its first playoff berth since 2018. 

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