Debate on MVP Seasons

Jul 12, 2024

Debate on MVP Seasons

Introduction

  • Tier list discussion of the last 10 MVP seasons in basketball
  • Hosts express differing pre-existing opinions
  • Aim: To rank the MVP seasons from best to worst

2014-2015: Steph Curry

  • Rank: B Tier
  • Arguments:**
    • Great first MVP season
    • Team success and individual production were notable
    • Scored ~23 points per game, impact noted but not statistically dominant
    • Not as dominant as his later 2016 season

2017: Russell Westbrook

  • Rank: S Tier
  • Arguments:
    • First triple-double season seen in decades
    • Weak supporting cast
    • Carried his team to the playoffs
    • Considered highly impressive despite team struggles

2014: Kevin Durant

  • Rank: A Tier
  • Arguments:
    • Efficiency and individual performance very strong
    • Compared efficiency to other eras
    • Won despite some team injuries

Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP Seasons

  1. First MVP

    • Rank: S Tier
    • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) in the same season
    • Dominant on both ends of the floor

  2. Second MVP (2020)

    • Rank: S Tier
    • Won DPOY

  3. Third MVP (2019)

    • Rank: B Tier
    • Did not win DPOY but still very effective

2018: James Harden

  • Rank: C Tier
  • Arguments:
    • Controversial MVP selection over LeBron James
    • Perceived as a "make-up" for previous lost MVP
    • Regular season award recognition

2016: Steph Curry (Second MVP)

  • Rank: S Tier
  • Arguments:
    • Widely considered the best MVP season in the list
    • Unanimous MVP, dominated the league

Nikola Jokić MVP Seasons

  1. First MVP (2021)

    • Rank: A Tier
    • Highly efficient season, debate over his MVP worthiness

  2. Second MVP (2022)

    • Rank: S Tier
    • Even more impressive despite a weak supporting cast

2023: Joel Embiid

  • Rank: C Tier
  • Arguments:
    • Controversial MVP selection
    • Impact of media narratives on MVP voting
    • Carried his team but season met with mixed opinions

Finalized Tier Rankings

  • S Tier:

    • 2017 Russell Westbrook
    • Giannis Antetokounmpo (First MVP)
    • 2020 Giannis Antetokounmpo
    • 2016 Steph Curry
    • 2022 Nikola Jokić

  • A Tier:

    • 2014 Kevin Durant
    • 2021 Nikola Jokić

  • B Tier:

    • 2014-2015 Steph Curry
    • 2019 Giannis Antetokounmpo

  • C Tier:

    • 2018 James Harden
    • 2023 Joel Embiid