2023 Most Valuable Player Candidates
This year’s MVP award mainly comes down to these three:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
- Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
We’ve seen many players put up great solid performances all year long. Domantas Sabonis was invaluable, helping the Sacramento Kings to their first postseason run 17 years. Jason Tatum has led the Celtics, who are currently (May 1, 2023) actually the favorites to win the title. Luka Doncic started off pretty good but couldn’t keep up.
Nikola Jokic – Can he pull off a three-peat?
If you ask me, the Joker deserves to win it – for the third time in a row. It’s not a fun storyline, but I think it’s true. Nikola Jokic has been the most VALUABLE player this season. He ranks 1st in nine categories, 2nd in four, and 3rd in four, i.e. top 3 in 17 categories! What I find to be the most important stat categories are the Player Efficiency Rating (PER), True Shooting Percentage (TS%), and Win Shares. He’s currently the favorite to win the title, with over 50% chance.
Joel Embiid – Is it finally his time to win?
Joel Embiid put up an incredible show to end the NBA regular season. Averaging 31.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in the last 15 games, he kept climbing up and down the top of the MVP ladder. His second-straight scoring title, however, may not be enough to grant him the MVP award this year. Besides points per game, he sits at the top of the league in field goals made and 2-pointers made, 2nd in five categories, and 3rd in four categories. His all around stats are impressive, a solid second best player for the season.
Giannis – He led the Bucks to the best NBA record; is it enough?
The 2019 and 2020 MVP had another crazy season, averaging 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. The Greek Freak had the highest usage percentage in the league and went to the line the most – he’s unstoppable, unless fouled. He finished the regular season with the 2nd best defensive rating, showing how valuable he is at both ends of the floor. Giannis’ performance however may not be enough to win his 3rd MVP award.
NBA Most Improved Player
The Knicks are currently in the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs, in large thanks to their second MIP candidate in three years. After Julius Randle winning the 2021 award, newcomer Jalen Brunson had the chance to be the second Knick in history to win the league’s MIP title.
The two favorites were, however, Lauri Markkanen and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
On April 23, 2023, Lauri Markkanen was awakened at 2 AM while serving the Finnish military to receive his award. The first Jazz player in history to win it, his all-around improvement was really impressive.
MIP: Shooting Stats Comparison
Lauri Markkanen had by far the greatest improvement in points per game, up to 25.6 from 14.8. This was mainly thanks to his great improvement in 2-pointers, up to 58.5% from 54.8%.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had the best True Shooting Percentage improvement, up from 55.7% to 62.6%. His free throw percentage also increased, surpassing 90% after just 81% last year.
Jalen Brunson did a lot better in points per game, but his free throws and 2-pointers actually took a hit and decreased. His 3-point percentage went up though offsetting his other stats.
MIP Rebounding and Defensive Stats Comparison: Markkanen the Rebounding Monster
Defensively, we see some extreme values for Jalen Brunson’s blocking stats. It’s an illusion though, he was just so bad last season and got a little bit better.
Lauri Markkanen is the defensive/rebounding champ among the three candidates, mainly because of his ability to clean the glass. His rebounds per game went up, and so did his rebounding percentages. He had a drop in steals per game, but blocks per game went up by 20%.
SGA saw a good increase in blocks and steals.
Defensively, we see some extreme values for Jalen Brunson’s blocking stats. It’s an illusion though, he was just so bad last season and got a little bit better.
Lauri Markkanen is the defensive/rebounding champ among the three candidates, mainly because of his ability to clean the glass. His rebounds per game went up, and so did his rebounding percentages. He had a drop in steals per game, but blocks per game went up by 20%.
SGA saw a good increase in blocks and steals.
MIP Ballhandling Stats Comparison: Why Markkanen Won the MIP
In terms of ballhandling, Lauri Markkanen again saw the greatest improvement. His usage shot way up, his assists improved a lot, his assist to turnover ratio fell by 30%, and his assist percentage increased as well.
Can Shai Be A Future MVP?
Despite not winning the MIP award, SGA put up some really impressive stats overall. He actually led the league in free throws made and 2-point field goal attempts! At just 24 years old, he might just be a future MVP candidate.
Is there anything else that stands out to you?
By the way, I will be releasing the code to create these graphs so subscribe and stay tuned!