With the NBA All-Star Game coming up this weekend, teams across the league have taken a break, giving leeway to the players participating in the game to rest up and participate in the fesitivities. With the All-Star Game coming our way, we are now at the mid-point of the NBA season. With us being at the half-way point, it had me thinking; “who are some of my wild card picks for the NBA MVP?”. So, without further ado, we will be looking at my 3 wild card picks for the NBA MVP award.
#3- Chris Paul
Chris Paul reminds me of Magic Johnson. One, because his passes remind me so much of the Lakers legend, and two, because whenever Paul is on the floor you know something exciting is going to happen. The NBA should give Paul the award based on how many times he has been passed over for it. The man is an institution, but doesnt get the respect he deserves. Any team he goes on instantly gets better, with his basketabll IQ leading the way and tearing defences apart.
This year Paul is having another stellar season, all at the age of 36. The veteran leader has been so consistent over the years, it’s a real shame he has never taken home an MVP Award. Will he get it? I doubt it, but he certainly gets my vote!
#2 – Ja Morant
Ja Morant is the man! Ever since he was drafted into the NBA, he has been my favorite player (besides the Greak Freak Giannis) based on what he brings to the table. From athleticism, to ball-handling, to shooting and dunking, this young man has it all. To see him leading a young squad like the Memphis Grizzlies towards the right direction just feels like the right steps are being made by the franchise.
Morant has been killing it this year, making a significant leap in his playmaking ability and his leadership role. To me, he has really become the new face of the NBA. Names like Giannis, Morant, and LaMelo Ball are being talked about the most, and that is a good thing. Life is abotu forward movement; growth. Seiing that these young kids are putting on a show every night, it would be a big step by the NBA to give the award to one of the young players who deserves it the most.
#1 – Demar Derozan
Demar Derozan. Being a Montreal citizen, the sports channels in Canada always hype up the Toronto Raptors. Although Montreal and Toronto do not see eye to eye sports-wise, it is hard not to root for the only professional basketball team in Canada. I grew up watching the Raptors, and had witnessed the rise of one of the stars of the league, Demar Derozan. I still remember seeing Derozan as a rookie, with his shaved haircut and his nervous speed racing down the court. Over the years I was lucky enough to watch him transition into one of the premier scorers.
In 2018 the Raptors felt they would be successful if Derozan was out of the picture (and they were right) so they traded him to the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard. With the Spurs Derozan had some very good years, but you could just tell he didnt fit the way San Antonio played. Then came free agency of 2021, and Derozan signed for the Chicago Bulls.
Almost instantaneously, Derozan started off hot with the Bulls. He is the best player on the team by a long-shot,and the Bulls have really come into their own with Derozan and the lineup surrounding them. Just watching him play is a treat, and the Compton native is averaging 27 a night this season. Everyone talks about Jokic or Embiid getting the MVP, and although I do think they are well worthy of it, I just think what Derozan is doing with the Bulls is too good not to pay attention too. The NBA needs to get this right, and give Demar the award.