It's become a running joke in recent years that the easiest bet to make is on the NBA regular season MVP. Many blame voters fatigue for not picking Nikola Jokic for the award a third year in a row, but the Serbian received a consolation prize with the Finals MVP for his 2022/2023 NBA finals performance.
The 2023-24 season is still a few months away, but bookmakers are already projecting the odds and the best bet NBA on the next MVP. It's time to see how the board is shaping up.
Nikola Jokic Is a Top Contender (+475)
The Serbian has been doing things that used to be unimaginable for a center until he set foot on an NBA court. Nikola demonstrated consistency last season, averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists.
At 28 years old, Jokic is still in his prime and can pave the road to a third MVP. If he plays at the same level, and the Denver Nuggets have the roster to support the big man, he can add another trophy to his cabinet. However, Nikola might feel satiated, considering his statement last year.
"I don't think about MVPs anymore," said Jokic in the middle of the 2022-23 season. The Joker might have been teasing reporters, yet, the only dilemma will be if the unveiling voters can finally accept him as the best player, and probably one of the all-time greats. The +475 odds make Jokic the top contender for the MVP in bookies' eyes.
Luka Doncic Is Among the Favorites Again (+500)
The Balkan is producing several MVP-caliber players. After Serbian Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic from Slovenia is also in the most valuable player conversation for 2023. The league has been eager to make Luka the face of the NBA, and the young guard has all the qualities for superstar status, except for playoff success.
Last season Luka averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in 66 regular season games. The trade for Kyrie Irving should alleviate some of the pressure on Luka and allow the Slovenian to propel the Dallas Mavericks into the playoffs. Doncic did not hide his disappointment about last season's performance.
"Something's got to change. I always talk about the chemistry we had," Doncic said.
It's worth mentioning Doncic has been a top favorite for an MVP award three years in a row and ended up empty-handed. This year, the odds are +500 in Luka’s favor to finally justify expectations.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Not to Be Ignored ( +550)
The Greek Freak is an interesting case of a player that got lost in the MVP narrative last season, although Antetokounmpo's stats reflected his production in previous seasons. Giannis helped Milwaukee secure the first seed in the Eastern Conference. It's possible voters got tired of the already two-time MVP winner and decided to ignore him.
However, sportsbooks are not ignoring Antetokounmpo, allocating +550 odds to reclaim the MVP award. Giannis had similar numbers to Jokic last year, averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, but not the same creativity on the court.
Although last season's early exit from the playoffs was unexpected, Giannis is not discouraged.
"There's no failure in sports. Some days you're able to be successful, some days you're not. And that's what sports is about," said Giannis.
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