For more than a decade now, DNA of Sports has been offering you its Top 5 candidates for the “Most Valuable Player” trophy (MVP)”. For our first race for the best player of the season, we decided to focus on these Europeans who, coming out of EuroBasket, are doing very well after only two weeks of competition.
Starting, of course, with the inevitable Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic, the league’s top two scorers. Expected at the turn, because considered the big favorites to succeed Nikola Jokic, the Greek (33.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.7 blocks) and the Slovenian (36.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.7 steals) line up for the moment the dantesque performances with Milwaukee and Dallas. Although, unlike “Luka Magic”, the “Greek Freak” does not lose, in addition to shining individually.
Nevertheless, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic both shone, statistically speaking, in the first two weeks of the campaign. On the one hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the fourth player to start a season with five games in a row at 20+ points and 10+ rebounds, at 50% success or more. On the other, Luka Doncic became the sixth player to start six games in a row at 30+ points. You said “MVP” ?
Festive interiors
Another very fit player at the last Euro and now in the NBA: the surprising Lauri Markkanen, of the equally surprising Jazz team (six wins in eight games!). Landed this summer in Salt Lake City, the Finn shines like never before in the United States and he is clearly positioned as one of the contenders for the title of “Most Improved Player (MIP)”, with his 22.6 points and 9.3 rebounds on average ( 51% on shots)…
Speaking of Utah and franchise change, how not to mention Rudy Gobert ? Now at Wolves, the Frenchman does not seem out of place. Still the league’s best rebounder (14.7 shots), average double-double (14.1 points) and efficient in defense (1.7 against), he has so far managed his integration rather well in Minneapolis, where his teammates -especially Karl- Anthony Towns– don’t hesitate to serve him more.
As for the double holder of the Maurice Podoloff statuette, Nikola Jokic, he started his 2022/23 exercise timidly, which could be synonymous with a hat-trick for him. But it’s hardly surprising, when you know that the Nuggets must relearn how to play with Michael Porter Jr. and especially Jamal Murray, back from injury. Nevertheless, the Serb (21.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.3 steals on average) remains a top player, essential for his team.
Finally, let’s not forget to mention the great performances of the veteran Bojan Bogdanovic in Michigan. Also traded by Jazz this fall, the Croatian is currently blazing alongside Cade Cunningham: 22.8 points on average, at 51% at 3-pts! To the point of quickly landing a nice two-year contract extension (and 39.1 million dollars), no later than this week…
Europe still has the wind in its sails
In addition, we could also mention the good performances of Jonas Valanciunas (Pelicans), Jusuf Nurkic (Blazers), Ivica Zubac (Clippers), Alperen Sengun (Rockets) or Franz Wagner (Magic). Even if, on the contrary, some players have been disappointing so far, such as Domantas Sabonis (Kings), Willy (Pelicans) and Juancho (Raptors) Hernangomez, Deni Avdija (Wizards) or even Evan Fournier (Knicks).
In short, participating in EuroBasket 2022 seems (overall) to have had a positive impact on the level of play of the majority of European players. Better prepared, because faced with the highest level and tough matches from September onwards, they are thus able to use them to start the season on their feet.
All that remains is to observe the fatigue factor, since they may run out of steam sooner than the competition. But, as for a few years now, everything suggests that this new campaign will be placed under the sign of European domination. In the regular season, at least…
Race to the MVP 2023: our Top 5
1 – Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
Assessment: 6 wins, 0 losses – 1st in the East.
Matches: 6 disputed out of 6 possible.
Statistics: 33.8 pts, 12.8 reb, 5.2 pds, 0.5 int, 1.7 ctr and 3.3 pdb in 34 min.
Percentages: 59% on shots, 29% at 3-pts and 63% on throws.
2 – Donovan Mitchell (Riders)
Assessment: 5 wins, 1 loss – 2nd in the East.
Matches: 6 disputed out of 6 possible.
Statistics: 32.2 pts, 4.5 reb, 7.3 pds, 1.7 int, 0.5 ctr and 4.2 pdb in 39 min.
Percentages: 50% shooting, 46% 3-pt and 86% throwing.
3 – Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
Assessment: 3 wins, 3 losses – 9th in the West.
Matches: 6 disputed out of 6 possible.
Statistics: 36.7 pts, 9.5 reb, 8.7 pds, 1.7 int, 0.5 ctr and 3.0 pdb in 37 min.
Percentages: 50% on shots, 23% on 3-pts and 78% on throws.
4 – Devin Booker (Suns)
Assessment: 5 wins, 1 loss – 2nd in the West.
Matches: 6 disputed out of 6 possible.
Statistics: 29.3 pts, 3.3 reb, 5.5 pds, 1.0 int, 0.2 ctr and 2.7 pdb in 37 min.
Percentages: 53% shooting, 46% 3-point and 85% throwing.
5 – Damian Lillard (Blazers)
Assessment: 5 wins, 1 loss – 1st in the West.
Matches: 5 disputed out of 6 possible.
Statistics: 31.0 pts, 4.8 reb, 4.6 pds, 0.8 int, 0.4 ctr and 3.8 pdb in 35 min.
Percentages: 50% shooting, 39% 3-pt and 93% throwing.
Mentions : Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Pascal Siakam (Raptors), Ja Morant (Grizzlies), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Trae Young (Hawks), Lauri Markkanen (Jazz), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)…
