(04-16-2024, 10:50 AM)mvossman Wrote: I am really surprised to see multiple folks around here discounting his impact (or considering him ineligible altogether) because he is a center.
Who is doing this and where? I did not discount his impact (or consider him ineligible altogether) because he is a center... at all!
What I said is this:
1) It seems to me like the MVP Voters are giving extra weight to advanced stats and "efficiency" in particular. I do not know whether they're doing this so as to look like they are "smart" voters... but it seems that way to me (rightly or wrongly).
2) Centers have an extra advantage in "efficiency" stats over other positions, on offense and defense, both... due to playing closer to the basket. It's simply what it is. I think the MVP Voters should keep this in mind. Besides, Luka's stats are very efficient for the position and role he plays too.
3) Jokic would also be a worthy winner, but I feel like Luka has carried his weaker team more and performed at a slightly higher level on offense.
4) I've also heard some say that Luka shouldn't win because of the Mavericks "lowly" position in the WC Standings. The Mavericks are 6th in the NBA with 50-32. Yet Jokic won MVP in 2020-21 when the Nuggets were 5th in the NBA with 47-25, and in 2021-22 when the Nuggets were 10th in the NBA with 48-24.