By George Orfanakis/ info@eurohoops.net
With the help of 5 specific criteria, Eurohoops presents for the fourth time the race for the MVP award as it currently stands. Take another look at the rankings in the third MVP Ladder of the season.
The criteria that were used are the following:
Player’s performance: The individual performance in combination with the demands that existed before the start of the season greatly affects the decision as to who is the MVP. Certain players exceeded initial expectations and others confirmed they belong in the elite of European basketball.
Team’s course: Basketball is a team sport and if someone cannot convert their individual performances into wins for their team, then they automatically lose points in the race for the MVP.
Player’s role: How would each team perform if we automatically removed the MVP candidate from the squad? There are players who are the alpha and omega of their squad, with their key presence providing an advantage on the MVP Ladder.
Consistency: The performance of certain star players varies in big games. Some play consistently at full throttle, without fluctuations. There are also players who specialize in making their teammates better in every game, even if they themselves don’t put up good numbers. As the season progresses, however, their value peaks.
Leadership: The biggest names in the EuroLeague have to step up when their team needs them. Their contribution in those moments – both in defense as well as in offense – can be as important as their overall numbers. This element, along with other leadership characteristics, adds points and is seriously taken into account when drafting the MVP Ladder.
As we approach the end of the season, the choices are getting fewer. In contrast to previous occasions, in this 4th MVP Ladder the candidates are limited to seven, with the competition having risen… dangerously. That’s not to say other candidates cannot re-enter this list. The last few rounds are going to be crucial.
7. NICK CALATHES
Player’s performance: 9
Team’s course: 6
Player’s role: 10
Consistency: 9
Leadership: 9
Total: 43
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Nick Calathes simply is Panathinaikos OPAP Athens this season. Everything goes through the hands of the talented point guard who has a unique gift in passing (8.3 assists), and at the same time he’s the team’s top scorer (11.7 points), with a considerable difference from the second in line.
Calathes sets the pace, he’s the first to run the fastbreak, he creates space with his drives, he presses hard on defense and can make the most of his teammates at any moment, making the Greens a better team in the process. It’s telling that Rick Pitino didn’t hesitate to say that Calathes is the best passer he has come across in his great career, mentioning him in the same sentence as names like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
The only major blemish in the 30-year-old guard’s game is his rather poor shooting percentages, mainly on three-pointers and free throws, with figures of 23.9% and 49% respectively. At the same time, the Greek team is in danger of being left out of the playoffs and, as a result, Calathes loses significant ground in the battle for the MVP award.
6. NIKOLA MILUTINOV
Player’s performance: 10
Team’s course: 8
Player’s role: 9
Consistency: 9
Leadership: 8
Total: 44
Nikola Milutinov is having a magical season, by far the best of his career, which rightly makes him part of the conversation for the EuroLeague’s MVP award.
The Serbian center has matured, makes excellent use of his huge body, has improved his finishes either in the post or after pick-and-rolls, and has a unique flair for offensive rebounds, with an average of 3.5. His presence becomes even more important when one considers that he covers the “five” position almost by himself for Olympiacos Piraeus, a strong contender for qualifying to the Final Four of the competition.
At the age of 24, Milutinov is now a consistent protagonist and a deterrence close to the baskets. Any coach would want him on his team, but this particular luxury belongs to David Blatt. The Reds’ performance in the crucial games coming up will be the factor that decides whether Milutinov will be a contender for the award until the end.
5. VASILIJE MICIC
Player’s performance: 9
Team’s course: 9
Player’s role: 9
Consistency: 9
Leadership: 8
Total: 44
The surprise of this season’s EuroLeague and quite possibly the most improved player in the competition. When, in the summer of 2018, Anadolu Efes Istanbul were reaching a deal with Vasilije Micic, not many expected he was going to give so much, but the Serb is here to make the difference and lead his team to the playoffs.
The 25-year-old point guard is especially important in scoring (12.1 points) and creating (5.4 assists) and, as a result, Ergin Ataman uses him more than any other player on his team. How could it be otherwise when Micic inspires confidence whenever he has the ball in his hands and is prepared at any moment to execute from any range (55% on two-point shots, 43% in three-pointers).
Efes‘s big goal is, of course, to secure home-court advantage and the qualification for the Final Four. Micic may lack the luster of some other stars in the competition but purely as a player, he has nothing to be jealous of. If the Turkish club gets in the final phase in Vitoria-Gasteiz, then Micic will be even closer to the miracle.
4. DERRICK WILLIAMS
Player’s performance: 10
Team’s course: 9
Player’s role: 9
Consistency: 9
Leadership: 8
Total: 45
FC Bayern Munich’s return to the EuroLeague is accompanied by an impressive run so far, something that is largely due to Derrick Williams. The American forward was one of the last signings the German team made and now he’s a major contender for the award of the best signing in the entire competition.
Williams’ motivation was very high from the first moment and after the first 20 appearances, basketball fans have understood why he was selected with the second overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Bayern’s player combines substance and spectacle like few others, averaging 14.2 points and 4.3 rebounds and 41.1% from behind the three-point line.
As time passes, Williams feels more and more comfortable, while the last few weeks have turned out ideally for him and his team. The big wins over Khimki Moscow Region, AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul placed Bayern higher in the standings and skyrocketed the American’s odds for winning the MVP award.