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The free throw miss rebounds were worth something like 1-2 extra rebounds a night for Russ in those years IIRC, so yeah, they mattered as he chased the stat. Time was a PG ripping down a rebound was a great sign a fast break was coming, but with modern floor balance and so many long rebounds off of 3-pointers, it isn't what it once was.
It's odd that Jokic didn't enter any of the last three years as the MVP favorite. Year 1 it was supposed to be Embiid, but he got injured and Jokic pulled ahead. Last year was supposed to be Steph's year, then he got hurt and his stats came back to earth. Joel was right there again, but Jokic's year was historically good. This year, it was supposed to be Doncic, but his team isn't good enough, or Tatum, but while his stats are great, they aren't historically sublime. Watching Jokic destroy his former teammate Mason Plumlee was fun last night (highlights only ). A few years ago, Plumlee was the guy the Nuggets would sub-in for Jokic as a defensive specialist. Now Plumlee looked like tissue paper against him, and it certainly wasn't lack of effort.
First time I've ever heard Plumlee described as a defensive specialist...that being said, I agree with you. Jokic is the undisputed MVP this season. Incredible stats with the top record in the West. I would have said Giannis could challenge, but he's out with an injury and if I'm the Bucks I probably shut him down till just right before the playoffs so that disqualifies him from the regular season awards.
First time I've ever heard Plumlee described as a defensive specialist...that being said, I agree with you. Jokic is the undisputed MVP this season. Incredible stats with the top record in the West. I would have said Giannis could challenge, but he's out with an injury and if I'm the Bucks I probably shut him down till just right before the playoffs so that disqualifies him from the regular season awards.
Maybe "shot blocker off the bench" is a better description, but before Jokic's first MVP season, Malone would sub Jokic out for Plumlee during late game defensive possessions.
I honestly dont see how it can be anyone other than Giannis right now with 12 games left to play. The Bucks have the best record in the entire league, while missing their number two guy for most of the season. Giannis has carried them to the best record while putting up great numbers. If the Bucks lead continues to grow, along with Denver continuing to free fall, then I think that will make Giannis even more compelling as the MVP.
I honestly dont see how it can be anyone other than Giannis right now with 12 games left to play. The Bucks have the best record in the entire league, while missing their number two guy for most of the season. Giannis has carried them to the best record while putting up great numbers. If the Bucks lead continues to grow, along with Denver continuing to free fall, then I think that will make Giannis even more compelling as the MVP.
I think you have to win a title at least one of the first two in a row that you are MVP to get a shot at a 3rd one. He has not even made the finals. Otherwise you are in Westbrook / Harden territory. Great numbers but nothing to show for it. And suddenly the Nuggets are in a slump at a bad time.
I think Giannis deserves it. He is a better scorer, rebounder and defender. Jokic is a better passer. Giannis has a better team, and he is a champion.
Look at the standings:
Milwaukee is 21-5 playing teams in the West.
Denver is 15-10 against teams in the East.
If Milwaukee was in the west they would have 5 more wins and be at 55 wins for the season compared to 47 for Denver.
I think you have to win a title at least one of the first two in a row that you are MVP to get a shot at a 3rd one. He has not even made the finals. Otherwise you are in Westbrook / Harden territory. Great numbers but nothing to show for it. And suddenly the Nuggets are in a slump at a bad time.
I think Giannis deserves it. He is a better scorer, rebounder and defender. Jokic is a better passer. Giannis has a better team, and he is a champion.
Look at the standings:
Milwaukee is 21-5 playing teams in the West.
Denver is 15-10 against teams in the East.
If Milwaukee was in the west they would have 5 more wins and be at 55 wins for the season compared to 47 for Denver.
Yes and bear in mind the Bucks have the best record in the league, short handed while also playing in the tougher conference. Easy decision to me yet everyone is saying it’s Embiid vs Jokic. I don’t get it.
Yes and bear in mind the Bucks have the best record in the league, short handed while also playing in the tougher conference. Easy decision to me yet everyone is saying it’s Embiid vs Jokic. I don’t get it.
It's a crazy world where a guy averaging 32/12/5 on the best team in the league isn't the front runner.
It's also a crazy world where a guy averaging 24/12/10 on the best team in the West and leading every advanced statistical category but one (PER) isn't the front runner.
It's even crazier that neither of these guys is likely to walk away with that trophy.
It's a crazy world where a guy averaging 32/12/5 on the best team in the league isn't the front runner.
It's also a crazy world where a guy averaging 24/12/10 on the best team in the West and leading every advanced statistical category but one (PER) isn't the front runner.
It's even crazier that neither of these guys is likely to walk away with that trophy.
It also depends on the supporting cast. Giannis has middleton and holiday, embiid has harden. Jokic might average a triple double but if his supporting cast is not as good and their record is not good, he might not get mvp. Its kind of unfaif if a mvp level player doesnt have any help and not win mvp.
It also depends on the supporting cast. Giannis has middleton and holiday, embiid has harden. Jokic might average a triple double but if his supporting cast is not as good and their record is not good, he might not get mvp. Its kind of unfaif if a mvp level player doesnt have any help and not win mvp.
Embiid is ahead with the betting line for MVP. I think its his turn.
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The free throw miss rebounds were worth something like 1-2 extra rebounds a night for Russ in those years IIRC, so yeah, they mattered as he chased the stat. Time was a PG ripping down a rebound was a great sign a fast break was coming, but with modern floor balance and so many long rebounds off of 3-pointers, it isn't what it once was. 
). A few years ago, Plumlee was the guy the Nuggets would sub-in for Jokic as a defensive specialist. Now Plumlee looked like tissue paper against him, and it certainly wasn't lack of effort.
Maybe "shot blocker off the bench" is a better description, but before Jokic's first MVP season, Malone would sub Jokic out for Plumlee during late game defensive possessions.
