Giannis Antetokuonmpo is doing something no NBAer has ever done

The NBA’s In-Season Tournament has been a hot topic of discussion lately, with endless promotions and debates over its effectiveness and significance. However, amidst all this noise, one important topic has been overshadowed: the MVP race. As we reach the quarter-season mark, it’s time to shift our focus back to the players who are vying for the prestigious award.

The usual suspects are once again in the running for the MVP title. Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokuonmpo are the front-runners, with other contenders in the mix. Jayson Tatum is expected to receive consideration due to the Boston Celtics’ projected success this season, providing NBA writers with a fresh storyline.

Last season, Jokic emerged as the clear winner in the MVP debate, settling the comparisons between him and Embiid or Giannis. However, this season, Embiid has taken his game to new heights, showcasing significant improvement as a playmaker. With his assists numbers doubling to 6.6 per game, Embiid’s performance has been remarkable. It’s worth noting that Jokic’s exceptional stats last season were partially due to the absence of his teammate Jamal Murray. While Embiid’s situation isn’t entirely comparable, the departure of James Harden does qualify as a loss of a key teammate. This opens up the possibility of another heated debate between Jokic and Embiid.

Following the conclusion of the In-Season Tournament, get ready for a barrage of hot takes and on-air meltdowns. The MVP race will dominate discussions, with Kendrick Perkins potentially delivering another memorable outburst. The battle between Giannis, Embiid, and Jokic will be intense, with loud noises and passionate arguments filling the airwaves.

Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ beloved star, has elevated his game to new heights this season. Currently averaging a career-high 28.6 points per game, Jokic’s production has been exceptional. His rebounding numbers are also impressive, leading the NBA with 12.9 rebounds per game. With a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 32.9, Jokic is on track for a career-best season, surpassing his previous MVP-winning campaign.

It remains to be seen how many media members will feel compelled to revise their opinions from last season. Despite the consensus that Jokic is the best player in the league, there is often a tendency for a change of heart after each playoffs. People question their previous judgments and wonder how they could have been so wrong.

The case for Antetokounmpo is straightforward. He is shooting an incredible 61 percent from the field while scoring over 30 points per game. While there have been players who averaged more than 20 points on 60 percent shooting, no player has ever achieved the feat of averaging 30 points while shooting 60 percent. Even legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar came close but fell short. If Antetokounmpo maintains his exceptional performance, it could create a unique narrative similar to Ronald Acuña Jr.’s achievements in MLB this season.

Creating a club of his own, the 30 point-60 percent club, gives writers something fresh and exciting to cling to. It provides a tiebreaker in months of debate and offers a new storyline for those tired of the same old narratives. While the full-blown chatter about the MVP race may not reach its peak for another month or two, it is certain to intensify once the current distraction of the In-Season Tournament is over.

So, as we eagerly await the conclusion of the tournament, let’s prepare ourselves for the upcoming MVP race. The battle between Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis promises to be fierce, with each player making a strong case for the award. The debates and discussions are sure to be entertaining, and the eventual winner will undoubtedly be deserving of the title of NBA MVP.