By: Michael Tolliver Jr (Opinionated MJ)
How is it that Nikola Jokic is being considered for MVP, I personally have Steph in there, LeBron is always in there, and Embiid is my #1 for MVP, but many are simply NOT including Donovan Mitchell for MVP? 15 wins over the last 16 games? Spida can’t get any consideration right now although he is apart of the best team in the league? Are we rewriting the narative for MVP right now? Are we considering his teammates? If that’s the case, we need to eliminate LeBron from contention as well. Why won’t you plug Mitchell into this discussion?
Shaq should’ve been enough to put all eyes on Donovan. He has delivered. He’s been seamless alongside Conley this season. Yes, he has Rudy Gobert, and I’ve seen a list that features Rudy for MVP but not Donovan. Steph Curry isn’t even on that list. Validity killed, right? Ha. What is the requirement now? It seems like everyone is all over the place. The typical voters will likely still choose LeBron since AD is playing more like Kevin Love with half a Minny & Cavs jersey on nowadays. It happens when you’re playing next to one of the biggest stars in the game. Unless you’re on the Brooklyn Nets.
He should at least be at #2. If we’re going on “best player, best team” as of right now, Utah is 19-5, Philly is 17-7. Why are we not considering Donovan Mitchell for MVP? I need answers. Are we still stuck on following LeBron’s age, years, and mileage? Are we suprised with a focused Embiid? Are we too in love with the numbers Jokic is putting up? I’ll ask a real question. Are we stuck on assists being the pathway to an MVP? Why pass more when you can score more, that’s my take. If we’re enamored with ball movement, then LaMelo Ball and Steph Curry should be the frontrunners. Yes LAMELO BALL. Let’s not ignore the fact the everyone has totally cemented the mentality that Giannis can’t get another until he can make 3’s and make the finals, although he also doesn’t have a flat out second star like DONOVAN MITCHELL!
Eventually these narratives will turn into harsh truths and won’t be able to be denied. Kind of like Giannis latest MVP award. If you fully remove Donovan from this team, are they #1 in the league right now? Are they looking like a team that can give any team an issue in the West? Did we ignore what happened in the bubble for him? If so, then the entire bubble doesn’t matter.
I think it’s on another level. No one believes the Jazz can take a series from Denver, or any of the LA teams. Is that what is fueling the idea that Donovan doesn’t fit the mold? Too early? Too young? That shouldn’t creep into your mind when you think of him. He’s arrived and he will only continue to get better. I like Jamal Murray, but Donovan has been more consistent this season. It’s time to give him his respect. I could play the seconds a drinking game with this. Would you rather Gobert or PG? Gobert or AD? Gobert or CJ? Gobert or Kyrie or Harden? I personally can’t put a player with another superstar at the forefront of the MVP race. I have many mottos. The one that applies here is that “great players make great players greater.”
Donovan is doing this for his whole team. Take notice before it’s too late and give him his proper respect. #1 in the league.
