Will This Be Anthony Edwards’ Year? Or Is Nikola Jokić Just Too Jokić for Him?
Anthony Edwards is looking up at 3-time winner Nikola Jokić
when it comes to the Kia MVP chase.
Ah, the MVP race! Where dreams are crushed and egos inflated like balloons at a children’s birthday party. Oh, how the tides have turned! We’re starting to wonder if the MVP trophy should just be rebranded to the “Nikola Jokić Forever and Ever Award.” I mean, since 2018, American players have been about as relevant in the MVP race as that one kid who can’t dunk at the playground.
David Stern’s vision of a global NBA is here, folks! And who would have thought that it would lead us to an MVP arms race between a Serbian, a Greek, and a Cameroonian? I half expected the trophy to start speaking in different languages at this point.
Is 2024 Finally the Year for Edwards?
Let’s talk about Anthony Edwards, shall we? The young stud from Minnesota has clearly been inspired, probably by a mix of ambition and watching too many motivational TikToks. He’s coming off a strong start and is shooting threes like he’s in a video game. I mean, he’s currently third in the league in total three-point attempts! That’s literally only ‘a bit’ behind Steph Curry – who I assume has been peeking at Edwards’ drilling sessions through binoculars.
But the question hangs in the air like a foggy day in London: can he dethrone the reigning King Jokić? Edwards isn’t just the future of the Wolves; he’s trying to shake off the dusty stereotype associated with American players winning the MVP, almost like shaking off a bad haircut.
Three Pillars for an MVP Claim
It’s all about the stats, the narrative, and whether Towns got lost on the way to the arena – also known as the three pillars of MVP contention.
- No Towns: With Karl-Anthony Towns in New York City – living his best life I assume – Edwards won’t have to fight for shot attempts. This is a clear win for stats and confidence. If he can challenge for the scoring title, that’s like icing on the cake… the MVP cake, which by the way may be a little stale if Jokić keeps up his usual shenanigans!
- Wolves Winning: Now here lies the twist! To be in the MVP conversation, winning is the name of the game. A top-three finish in the Western Conference is like waving a red flag in front of a bull – it draws attention! But the West is scarier than your mother when you break curfew.
- A Fresh Face: He’s got the zeal of youth on his side! But can Edwards outshine Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? I mean, creating a meme-worthy moment would help, right? We all know MVP moments score big!
Can Jokić Pull Off the Impossible?
Meanwhile, our favorite reigning MVP may not care for another trophy, but let’s be honest, Jokić is more of a triple-double machine than my grandma is at bingo night. He walks on the court, throws a no-look pass, and somehow manages to score while also feeding the horse he left backstage.
With his play style, it’s like he’s just so laid-back about the whole MVP thing, you’d think he’s running a support group for former MVPs. He firmly believes in his quest for more Larry O’Brien trophies, which means he’s still likely to flaunt those elite stats. However, will MVP voters get tired of seeing the same face on that shiny award?
Three Reasons Jokić Could Compete for MVP Again
- Triple-Double Extravaganza: This is Jokić’s calling card. He will always be in the conversation as long as he’s boardin’, assistin’, and scor’n throughout the game! But when voters get fatigued with the same stats, they might heal their wounds by looking elsewhere.
- Nuggets Depend on Him: Without Jokić, the Nuggets playing like a team of pre-schoolers after snack time. His presence is golden! It’s almost as if the other players are cashing in on his innate ability while aggressively tying their shoes – not understanding how important it is to have him at the helm.
- Winning 50-plus Games: Winning is what keeps MVP candidates on voters’ minds. They tweet about it, they gossip about it at dinner parties! “Did you see how the Nuggets are just wobbling without Jokić?” That’s the kind of conversation Jokić wants to create.
The Winds of Change in 2024
With a cavalcade of talented teams and players knocking on the MVP door this year, it’s going to be an incredible battle to watch! Can Edwards take that leap forward into basketball immortality? Will Jokić continue his reign on high? Or will someone else like Jayson Tatum or Anthony Davis swoop in and steal the spotlight? One thing is clear: whoever emerges will have one heck of a legacy to show for it.
As Edwards puts it, “Just work.” It’s classic – the kind of wisdom I expect from my fridge when the ice cream runs out. But if he believes, and puts in the work like he claims, he might just find himself looking down at the MVP trophy sooner rather than later. Whatever the outcome, you can bet it will be a wild ride.
Anthony Edwards is looking up at 3-time winner Nikola Jokić when it comes to the Kia MVP chase.
Decades ago, former NBA commissioner David Stern envisioned a league enriched by global talent, anticipating a time when rosters would feature an array of foreign players and even All-Star representatives.
Not since James Harden in 2018 has an American athlete hoisted the prestigious MVP trophy. While basketball originated from a Canadian, the U.S. has undeniably dominated the game, with its culture deeply rooted from playgrounds to professional arenas across the country.
With the influx of international talent, the game has significantly evolved for the better, leading to enhanced competition and a more profound global interest.
Which brings us to the burning question: Will this season finally mark a shift in the foreign-born dominance for the MVP award?
Friday’s highly anticipated matchup between the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić, and the Timberwolves, featuring rising star Anthony Edwards (9:30 ET, ESPN), could symbolize a potential turning point in this long-standing narrative.
Will Edwards be the first American to win MVP this decade?
As Jokić showcases his remarkable skills with an impressive triple-double against Brooklyn — achieving a stunning 29 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists, becoming only the second player in history to hit that stat line — Edwards is also proving his mettle in pursuit of greatness.
Wolves president Tim Connelly believes that Edwards possesses the potential to carve his name among the greatest players of all time, to which Edwards confidently responded, “I think he’s right.”
“Playing against the best players in the world in practice all summer, that was the best thing for me,” he reflected on his rigorous training.
This season, Edwards has come prepared to elevate his game, displaying a newfound ability as a volume deep shooter. Currently, he ranks third in total 3-point attempts in the league with 61 while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 41.5% from beyond the arc.
This early performance showcases his evolution as a player, a revelation that could make him exceedingly dangerous on the court. With defenders forced to respect his three-point ability, this opens avenues for a drive to the basket, which could lead to highlight-reel plays.
“I want to be whatever the team needs me to be,” Edwards stated. “Whether it’s scoring, passing, defending, getting rebounds, showing everyone I’m coachable.”
Here’s how Edwards can stake his claim for MVP votes, assuming he maintains this level of excellence:
1. No Karl-Anthony Towns
With Towns now on the New York Knicks, Edwards has the opportunity to fill that void, which could potentially elevate his scoring opportunities. Currently averaging around 30 points per game, an increase in scoring could bolster his MVP candidacy as he shoots efficiently.
2. Wolves winning?
However, for Minnesota to ascend the Western Conference standings, they must navigate a fiercely competitive landscape that poses a significant challenge. Securing a top-three finish will be crucial for dispelling any doubts about team performance being a factor in Edwards’ MVP prospects.
3. A fresh face
Edwards is part of a dynamic new generation in the league, but faces strong competition from fellow young stars like Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
While Jokić and other foreign stars are formidable contenders, the quest for the MVP remains fiercely contested territory for Edwards.
Will Nikola Jokić win his fourth MVP?
Despite being a front-runner, Jokić seems unconcerned with accumulating more MVP awards. His legacy is firmly established, and his focus leans towards capturing another Larry O’Brien Trophy, prioritizing team success over individual accolades.
However, to secure a second championship, Jokić must deliver a performance reflective of his MVP-caliber talent — particularly as the Nuggets navigate a challenging landscape this season.
Three reasons why he might become a four-time MVP by next summer include:
1. Jokić is a walking triple-double
As long as he maintains his dominant performance, he will stay in the MVP conversation. However, voter fatigue from his impressive stats might raise concerns.
2. Nuggets are shaky without him on the floor
The Nuggets’ performance dramatically dips without Jokić leading the way, emphasizing his invaluable role in creating a better team dynamic, portraying the quintessential qualities of a true MVP.
3. Nuggets must win 50-plus games
Ultimately, both Jokić and Edwards face similar challenges, with their MVP bids closely tied to their teams’ successes in the standings. A team’s record often weighs heavily in MVP voting considerations.
With the potential for a shakeup this season, Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis are poised contenders, while Knicks guard Jalen Brunson may influence the votes among American players.
Edwards remains focused on his trajectory, aiming not only for the MVP but to elevate his stance among basketball’s elite. His approach is simple yet profound: “Just work. Go out on the court and just believe it.”
He paused for emphasis: “It probably will happen.”
* * *
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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How many triple-doubles does Westbrook have
rong>: When it comes to filling the stat sheet, Jokić consistently delivers. His ability to score, rebound, and assist at an elite level keeps him in the MVP conversation. RPG (rebounds per game) and APG (assists per game) bolster his case, making it hard for voters to overlook his contributions.
2. Leadership and Impact: Jokić is the heart of the Nuggets. His basketball IQ and playmaking skills elevate those around him. Teammates often credit him for their development, and his presence on the court translates to wins. The more the Nuggets thrive under his direction, the stronger his MVP bid becomes.
3. Historical Precedent: Winning multiple MVPs isn’t unheard of in today’s league. If Jokić continues to put up numbers reminiscent of his previous seasons while leading the Nuggets to a strong record, the narrative around him as a generational talent could sway MVP voters to favor him once more.
Final Thoughts
This season promises to be an exhilarating showdown for the MVP trophy. While Jokić has a compelling case for his fourth award, emerging stars like Edwards are knocking on the door, eager to break the streak of foreign-born MVP winners in recent years. The unpredictability of the league combined with the influx of fresh talent sets the stage for a thrilling race, and fans should brace themselves for a wild and competitive season ahead.