By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Magic Johnson shared his take on the 2019-20 NBA MVP race through Twitter on Sunday evening. The most valuable player in 1987, 1989 and 1990 positions LeBron James in first place, the player he recruited to the Los Angeles Lakers back when he was still president, additionally split second place between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.
Below his picks:
1. LeBron James
2a. Giannis Antetokounmpo / 2b. Luka Doncic
3. James Harden
4. Kawhi Leonard
5. Anthony Davis
6. Nikola Jokic
7. Joel Embiid
8. Jayson Tatum
9. Pascal Siakam
10. Donovan Mitchell
11. Ben Simmons
12. Kyrie Irving
13. Damian Lillard
14. Karl-Anthony Towns
15. Bradley Beal
16. Devin Booker
The race for the MVP honors is indeed crowded this year. Last year’s recipient, Antetokounmpo is right in the thick of it this season as well with Doncic and other candidates also making strong bids. Fellow European Nikola Jokic is in the above list and among players considered favorites by betting companies as well.
Strong showings
The Milwaukee Bucks are on top of the Eastern Conference with the Greek Freak pacing his side. Averaging 32.6 minutes per game, he has 29.9 points, 13.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per contest so far.
The Dallas Mavericks are up 11-5, fourth in the West. Doncic is nearly averaging a triple-double giving his best to ensure a playoffs berth. His 30.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game are more than enough for an early MVP bid.
As for Jokic, his all-around contribution currently amounts to 16.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.3 steals per match. The Denver Nuggets are 12-3, only trail the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference standings.
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