The past three seasons of the NBA have ended with an international player winning the MVP award.
The streak will stay alive yet another year as four international players headline the MVP discussion.
The four player in this years MVP talks are: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, & Nikola Jokic.
Each of these players has conquered this season in their own way, whether on defense or offense.
Here’s a more in-depth look at why each NBA international player is in the MVP conversation:
Giannis Antetokounmpo:
The 6’11 power forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, Antetokounmpo is still one of the most dominant forces in the league.
Antetokounmpo stats increased in almost every category from last season. Averaging 30.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, & 5.8 APG on the season.
Giannis is no stranger to winning accolades almost winning every NBA award that comes to head. From MVP to winning the NBA championship, you name it.
The dominance of Antetokounmpo this season has put him in the conversation for MVP and Defensive player of the year.
In conclusion, the force from Greece continues to improve his game each season. He will be a dominant face in this league for the years to come.
Joel Embiid
The skilled Cameroonian big man for the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid continues to reach uncharted territories for centers.
Embiid finishes a consecutive season as an MVP candidate, but this season increasing his stats in roughly every category.
On the season, he is averaging 30.6 PPG, 11.7 RPG, and 4.2 APG.
In addition to increasing his stats, Embiid also won the NBA scoring title. The last time a center accomplished this was Shaquille O’Neal in 1999.
Embiid continues to put the league on notice about his offensive game, which is nearly unstoppable. This man is clearly on a mission to secure his first MVP award.
Nikola Jokić
May the reigning MVP from Serbia please stand up! Jokić from the Denver Nuggets never fails to remind people why he won last year’s MVP.
On the season, he’s averaging 27.1 PPG, 13.8 RPG, and 7.9 APG.
He is averaging this stat line without arguably two of his best teammates, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Additionally, Jokić secured Denver the Nuggets the 6th seed in the playoffs with his elite play this season.
The Serbian big man is deservingly the frontrunner to clinch his second consecutive MVP.
Jokić will be the first international player since Giannis Antetokounmpo to consecutively win MVP’s.
Luka Dončić
The Slovenian star Luka Dončić proves to be one of the most skilled young players in the league today.
Dončić has been must-see basketball since entering the league, but in the past season, he raised the bar.
All across the border, his season averages have increased. He’s averaging 28.5 PPG, 8.7 APG, and 9.1 RPG.
In addition, to increasing his stats in almost every category. Dončić also helped the Dallas Mavericks clinch the 4th seed for the playoffs.
Though Dončić is not favored to win the MVP this year, it will not be surprising if he hoists the trophy soon.
Conclusion
The international players of the league demonstrate another dominant year, with four players in the MVP conversation.
One of these players will look to continue the streak of international players being awarded MVP for four straight seasons.
Undoubtedly, these players will be dominant forces for the years to come. Do not be surprised to also see an international stacked all-NBA first team mentioning these players.
Yeah they’re coming…solid!
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