The New Face of the NBA: Who will win the 2020-21 NBA MVP?

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Last season, the Greek Freak and reginging two-time MVP led the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the NBA. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award, joining Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only NBA players to win both the MVP and the DPOY. Despite his individual accomplishments, the Bucks severely underperformed in the playoffs. Though they were favorites to make the Finals, they suffered a second-round playoff exit in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Bucks’ offense allows Giannis to play as a point-forward. As a result, this season, he will likely average over 25 PPG again while being a main distributor on his team. Last season, Giannis recorded the highest player efficiency rating (PER) in NBA history, demonstrating that he can efficiently perform on offense and defense.

This season, with his ability to average superb stats and lead a team to the best record in the NBA, Giannis will contend for his third MVP award. In 2021, Giannis could join the elite company of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird as the only NBA players to win 3 MVPs in a row.

Unfortunately, voter fatigue may prevent Giannis from winning MVP. Even if he performs well, the media, tired of having the same player win the award every year, may hand it to another player. For instance, in the 2010-11 season, leading the Miami Heat to a second seed while averaging the best stats all-around in the league, Lebron James—the two-time reigning MVP at the time—undoubtedly deserved the MVP. Yet, he finished third in MVP voting that year. Why? Many believe that the idea of Lebron winning a third consecutive MVP was mundane to the media.

2. Luka Dončić

Coming off one of the best sophomore seasons in NBA history, Slovenian superstar Luka Dončić is looking to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a better record and a deeper playoff run this season. Only 20 years old, Dončić averaged an impressive 28.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, and 8.8 APG in the regular season, breaking several franchise records and NBA records. For instance, he became the youngest and the 5th player in NBA history to record more than ten 30-point triple doubles in a single season, joining NBA legends including Oscar Robertson and Lebron James. In the playoffs, he continued to shine, scoring 43 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and recording 13 assists alongside a game-winning, stepback three-pointer in Game 4 of the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers. Dončić’s statistical production in just his second season gives NBA fans reason to believe that the young superstar has incredible potential, and that he will play even better this upcoming season.

The Mavs’ 7th seed finish in the regular season significantly lowered Dončić’s chance at winning MVP. Despite that, he still finished third in MVP voting this past season. If Dončić leads the Mavs to a top-four seed while averaging similar numbers this year, then he has a probable chance to become the youngest MVP in NBA history, breaking Derrick Rose’s record of 21 years and 191 days old.

The Slovenian phenom is accomplishing things that the NBA has never seen before from a young 21-year-old. Dončić truly lives up to his nickname, “The Wonderboy,” and is a generational talent on track to becoming one of the all-time greats.