With the new NBA season coming up in October, we look at the few players who could be MVP candidates for the upcoming 2021-2022 season. After Nikola Jokić deservedly won the award last year leading the Nuggets into the playoffs without Jamal Murray for the last part of the season, Jokic will have to fend off some fierce competition to be able to be the first back to back MVP since Giannis in 2019-2020. Without further adieu, let’s take an in-depth look at who has a legitimate chance to win the award for the upcoming season.
MVP Candidates for the 2021-22 NBA Season
The Joker
After a outstanding 2021 season, Nikola Jokić will be looking to have even more success as the main superstar for the Denver Nuggets. Last season, he capped off his MVP campaign with totals of 26.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 10.8 rebounds per game. With Jamal Murray returning later in the season from a torn ACL, it will most likely take some of the pressure of of Jokic on the offensive end. Therefore, don’t be surprised if The Joker has another MVP-type season for the Nuggets. He could possibly lead them to an NBA Finals appearance with a healthy roster and another MVP season.
Wardell
Stephen Curry had another superhuman season for the warriors last year leading them up to almost making the playoffs before losing in the play-in tournament to end the season. Despite the heartbreaking end to the season, Curry still finished with averages of 32.0 points (good enough for the scoring title), 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. With Klay Thompson returning later in the season from his ACL injury, it will most likely make the Warriors a playoff team. In which them being a playoff team or maybe even a contender will make Steph an obvious MVP candidate to help add on to his already impressive legacy.
The Don
Luka Dončić will be looking to elevate the Mavericks in a loaded Western Conference as the lone superstar on his team. He will most likely put up MVP-type numbers as the primary ball-handler and scorer on his team. Last year, he tallied 27.7 points, 8.6 assists, and eight rebounds per game. Although the Mavericks may not be title contenders, they certainly have a perennial MVP Candidate for their future. This year, Luka might just win his first MVP award with another outstanding year.
The Greek Freak
After winning his first NBA championship with the Bucks last year, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be determined to repeat this year. He put up insane numbers of 28.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 11.0 rebounds per game. This means Giannis will once again most likely be an MVP candidate this upcoming year. Giannis obviously has a ton of experience of winning MVPs as he won back-to-back MVPs in 2019 and 2020. Plus, he will be looking to cement himself as the best player in the league, and winning his third MVP after winning a title could certainly do that for him.
In conclusion, this upcoming NBA season could have a lot of NBA candidates. However, the players above will most certainly be in the conversation barring any injuries. It will make this upcoming season a must-watch for all fans of the NBA.
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