The NBA regular season is winding down. Teams are vying for playoff positions, while certain players are making their final cases for end-of-year awards. This season’s NBA MVP race has been particularly polarizing.
With the rule in place that players must participate in a set number of games to be considered for awards, it became a race to hit that number for many candidates. In the end, it seems like the top contenders will all hit the mark, but there’s been a shift in who has the best odds now.
Victor Wembanyama now No. 1 in Kia MVP Ladder
The NBA released their updated Kia MVP Ladder this weekend, and Victor Wembanyama has taken the lead over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 1. Behind them are Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. Playing a large role in Wemby’s ascension has been his two-way ability to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Wembanyama is ready now because the evidence is compelling enough, and if he does capture the award this season, he’ll become only the second 22-year-old, after Derrick Rose, to do so. And he’ll have his chance. There’s a new No. 1 on the Kia MVP Ladder and it’s the player who’s influencing wins at both rims and has his team within range of securing the top seed in the West.
As Wembanyama has taken the lead in the MVP race, a shocking stat has emerged in regards to Wembanyama, LeBron James and the NBA’s games played threshold for end-of-year awards.
LeBron James won’t hit games played number to be eligible for awards, but wasn’t in contention for NBA MVP
James has actually played more minutes than Wembanyama this season, yet isn’t eligible for any award since he won’t make the 65-game threshold.
It has stunned fans due to the age disparity between the two. This season, James is averaging 33.6 minutes per game at 41 years old, while Wembanyama averages 29.2 minutes per game at 22 years old.
The stat has also put the NBA’s games played rule for awards in the crosshairs. There aren’t many fans who believe it has been a net positive for the game of basketball.
