Basketball
NBA Awards Finalists: Jokic, Embiid, Giannis Shortlisted for MVP
by privatebet.com - 2022/04/19
After months of anticipation, the list of NBA Awards finalists is in, and it’s going to be a tight race! The NBA will announce awards throughout the playoffs, and the list of front-runners for the coveted MVP award includes Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Joel Embiid, who spent most of the season keeping the Philadelphia 76ers afloat, is the only newcomer to the race. Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, having previously won the award in 2019 and 2020, while Jokic is trying to defend the title after winning it last year. The MVP race is closer than ever, with Jokic being a favorite once again, but Embiid’s name has been thrown around a lot and he addressed MVP speculations on several occasions. "I don't want to push for the whole thing, but the way I've been playing speaks for itself. Especially with everything we went through, the drama this whole year,” said Embiid back in February. Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis are the only members of their respective teams singled out as the NBA Awards finalists. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns are leading the way with nominees in three separate categories. Check out the full list of NBA Awards finalists and see if your favorites made the cut! Most Valuable Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Rookie of the Year: Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Defensive Player of the Year: Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz Most Improved Player: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies Dejounte Murray, San Antonio Spurs Sixth Man of the Year: Tyler Herro, Miami Heat Cameron Johnson, Phoenix Suns Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers Coach of the Year: Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns