04-15-2024, 09:43 PM
(04-15-2024, 09:06 PM)RGP1981 Wrote: It's a good point, but the difference is...
- You can put the ball in a Guard's hands as much as you want, but he will not be able to score and play-make at an MVP level unless he has the talent.
- Whereas, any and every Center regardless of their talent, has an advantage over other positions when it comes to "efficiency", due to their position and location on the court.
Anyway, my point is that it seems like the main talking point among the talking heads is the "advanced stats". It's the main thing they seem to be focusing on, while I feel it should be one of many equally weighted considerations. So if they're giving so much extra weight to Advanced Stats, then they need to keep in mind the inherent or "baked in" advantage that a Center has there.
Jokic would also be a worthy winner, but I feel like Luka has carried his weaker team more and performed at a slightly higher level on offense.
Another thing that bugs me is I've heard some talk about how Luka shouldn't win because of the Mavericks "lowly" position in the WC Standings. The Mavericks are 6th in the NBA with 50-32. Yet Jokic won MVP in 2020-21 when the Nuggets were 5th in the NBA with 47-25, and in 2021-22 when the Nuggets were 10th in the NBA with 48-24.
Once again could turn this around. The efficiency advantage comes with bigger responsibilities on defense. Jokic has to anchor the defense. He cannot hide in the corner. Doesn't get the benefit of easier matchups.
Honestly feels like people are trying to make a case for Luka against better knowledge. Luka had a great season. Problem for him and other contenders is that Jokic has produced four consecutive seasons on an all time great level. Far better than the average MVP season. I get why people argue that Luka deserves the MVP award. He had a better season than many MVPs in the past but that's not the question. He needs to be better than Jokic.