As the 2021 NBA regular season has reached its end, the NBA MVP debate is still raging on. With NBA releasing its 3 finalists; Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embid, fans are torn between who the true winner should be.
Some argue Steph Curry should be named MVP, given his impressive runs. Others would like to see it go to Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic, who has led his team to one of the top seeds.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard weighed in on the speculation and explained why he believes Jokic should be the winner.
âI think Steph has had a great season. But I donât think he wins it. At the eight seed, I just donât see how that works,” Lillard said.
Steph is currently fighting for the eighth seed as he takes on the Grizzlies tonight in the play-in tournament. This game will be essential for the star in making his MVP case and is a do-or-die in terms of prolonging his season.
“Last year, it was people like (ESPNâs) Stephen A. (Smith saying) âMan, I love what Dame is doing but he canât be the MVP because theyâre the eighth seed.”
“But last year, I averaged 30 points and eight assists on 46 (percent) from the field, 40 from the three-point line and 90 from free throw. But last year, theyâre like, âMan, we canât consider him an MVP because theyâre the eighth seed.â And now itâs like itâs ok.”
Lillard’s stats from last season are similar to what Steph Curry is currently averaging. Moreover, the Trail Blazers last year entered the playoffs as the eighth seed, similar to the position Steph finds himself in.
Lillard certainly seems to have a point here. It seems unfair to consider Steph as a potential MVP when Lillard, who was putting up similar numbers, was not given a shot.
What do you think- Does Lillard have a point? Or is Curry a lock for the MVP?
Let us know in the comments!