The NBA MVP is usually awarded to the player with the best stats on the best team.
But, the MVP voters have always been afraid to give the award to one player in three consecutive years.
That is why despite Nikola Jokic having another fantastic season, he is not the favorite to win the MVP.
The top three favorites to win the award are Joel Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is one player that seemingly continues to fly under the radar in MVP conversations.
He is having the best season of his career and has turned the franchise around in Cleveland.
The Cavs had not made the playoffs since LeBron James was on the team in 2018.
Thanks to Mitchell, the Cavs will be back in the postseason this year and have championship aspirations.
NBA Insider Ben Stinar believes Mitchell has done enough to have his name near the top of MVP discussions.
Why is no one talking about Donovan Mitchell as potential MVP?
27.5 PPG (47.7% shooting)
9 40+ point games
Dude dropped 73 in a game that came down to the wire
Oh and by the way the Cavs are about to end a 4 year playoff drought and have home courtpic.twitter.com/ta0K88DqGj
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) March 24, 2023
Mitchell has been one of the most valuable players in the league, but his stats do not compare with the other top guys.
For instance, the MVP favorite Embiid is averaging 33.2 and 10.2 rebounds per game.
Also, his team has a better record than Mitchell’s.
Not to mention that Jokic is almost averaging a triple-double this season, and plays for the number-one team in the Western Conference.
You cannot take away from Mitchell the fantastic first season he is having in Cleveland, but his stats do not match up with other MVP candidates.
With the Cavs headed back to the playoffs, they could be a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference.
NEXT: Donovan Mitchell Made Cavaliers History Again
