The MVP race for the 2021-22 season is set to be one of the closest there has ever been, with a number of stars balling out for their teams. Kevin Durant, who was considered one of the frontrunners is expected to be out with an injury for about 6 weeks, meaning the other contenders have seen their odds of winning the coveted honor improve.
Steph Curry has gone through a slump after starting the season on fire and now it's looking more and more like a race of the big men in the league. Giannis Antetokounmpo is considered the favorite, while Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic are both being mentioned as the other players that have the best chance of winning the award. LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan have also been getting some consideration. Fans on Reddit have shared their takes on which player should be seen as the favorite.
Chuck Moody: "I think if Giannis wouldn't have won it twice in the last 3 years the race wouldn’t be that open."
DHG23: "It'll probably come down to Giannis, Jokic, and Embiid with the threat of Steph doing what he did last season. Regardless of who wins, all three would be deserving."
chivestheconquerer: "If Curry picks it up and finishes the season strong, I can totally see him getting it. His team is great and Golden State’s Reborn is a nice storyline."
julioHG: "I think it's Giannis and Embiid is not far behind."
yougotthesilver: "I think Embiid if he can play enough games."
vickant: "It's only wide open if you don't wanna give it to Giannis again."
spanther96: "With KD and Zach's injuries, the Sixers have a real good shot to win the East the way they've been playing. If Embiid doesn't miss games and keeps playing like he has these past couple of months, I think he gets it."
SimilarTradition96: "I hope Embiid gets it, his recent stats are amazing."
SnooPuppers: "No one is more valuable to his team than Jokic is right now."
norm_chomsky: "People are still underrating Jokic. For me, it's him."
FewMulberry: "If Curry even played like average he’s my MVP lol he has it all, the record, narrative, lack of a second superstar but he’s so bad rn so I’m going Giannis or Embiid."
TuqiDuque12: "It's Giannis vs Jokic, maybe Steph can be back in this race if he has a hot end to the season."
The debate has clearly split the NBA fanbase, with many players getting a shot to win the MVP. Of the candidates mentioned primarily, Giannis' Milwaukee Bucks are the highest seed, but even they are simply 4th in the East. Whoever ends up winning the award, it will likely be the closest a race has been in a while.
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