Picking The 2025 NBA MVP

[@AFunkyDiabetic]

the season will be back before you know it x.com/FunkyDiabetic1

[@nomorepartiezz]

I think Luka is gonna be a player like Shaq or Kobe where everyone understands that he’s a top 2-3 player in the league for like a decade but he somehow ends up only walking away with 1 MVP. It’s a mix of being too good too early, and even when he’s putting up fucking *34-10-10* there’s an excuse that the team isn’t good enough or someone else has a better narrative that year… in a conference as stacked as the current West he’ll only ever end up getting one if he leads a team to a top 3 seed while averaging crazy numbers

[@DunningKrugerJnr]

“Somehow” = being a white European after Joker created White European MVP Fatigue among American voters

[@MrE_]

If he simply wins more games, he's easily a two time mvp by now. That was the deciding factor when those "crazy numbers" are being done by like 3 other players each year

[@nomorepartiezz]

@@MrE_ i know I’m saying that’s going to be difficult now in the West. Jokic already took up most of the first half of the 2020s when the West was a bit weaker or at least more balanced with the East. Now Luka is going to be headed into his prime battling it out with Ant and the Wolves, Shai and the Thunder, Jokic and the Nuggets, and at some point within the next couple of years probably Wemby on the Spurs. Given that his prime will probably last another 5 years that’s honestly not a lot of time to stack up MVPs

[@dylanj1891]

Maybe if his team actually performed well in the regular season it would happen

[@fernandezmateogilabraham9113]

He´ll only ever end up getting one if he leads a team to a top 3 seed while averaging crazy numbers because there are also other players that this last season for instance, have lead their team to a top 3 seed while avergaing crazy numbers. Is not "lack of respect", is that the MVP is really that disputed.

[@KurinKato1]

Giannis has reached Lebron status he isn’t winning another MVP he had amazing stats and the best record in the league while missing his 2nd option for 70% of the season in 2023 and still lost lol

[@mattpassos5689]

Lebron got 4 mvps so Giannis hasn't even had the run lebron had

[@Love2Musgrave]

​@@mattpassos5689he will though

[@curtiszyr]

Jokic has been better , embiid mvp season was better

[@VictoriesAtTheMarathon]

@@mattpassos5689, He’s won DPOY, unlike roid man.

[@gluestick5759]

@@VictoriesAtTheMarathon Calling someone roid man while defending Giannis...? lol

[@Mrdonjuliothewicked]

Say hello to your 2025 NBA MVP, Zaire Williams.

[@EzeBall1710]

On a serious note he can be a very good roleplayer if he gets more consistent and doesnt dissappear on the court

[@astray4525]

I think its inevitable that Jokic is always gonna be in the conversation for the next couple seasons, regardless if he wins or not.

[@curtiszyr]

3 mvp the league is done giving it to him , if you understand the nba , there’s always 3-4 players putting up mvp numbers . It’s always been that way jokic not winning another one

[@mattdeluccia153]

They’re not giving it to him any more. The media hates him and that’s who votes

[@cjt9264]

@@curtiszyrwhat if he averages triple double and top 3 in the west ? He won’t be in the conversation?

[@rome8180]

I'd be kind of surprised if it's not Luka or SGA. Everyone else is battling a narrative or health concerns.

[@aximus11]

What about ANT?

[@damonhe585]

@@aximus11not putting good enough numbers compared to Luka and sga

[@Sway1215]

​He needs to put up 3 more rebounds and 2 more assists per game.

[@reececisneros1622]

@@Sway1215I think he’ll actually have the supporting cast that can hit their shots enough to actually get him those assists. And he’s hit 10 rebounds before if I’m remembering correctly. Might be a bit harder now that lively, Gafford and PJ are getting rebounds over him.

[@Sway1215]

@@reececisneros1622 i meant to reply to the person that said ant lol

[@cameronbernardo]

Its Luka’s year

[@vietnam1978]

Not a chance. After getting exposed by the Celts, people know who he is

[@enryu8449]

@@vietnam1978how do u get exposed by Celtics when ur 2nd option was underperforming and if we are being honest Celtics had a way better team.

[@adamxo.]

@@vietnam1978getting “exposed” in the nba finals is HILARIOUS cuh

[@vietnam1978]

@@enryu8449 because Luka was a net negative on the court. No defense and too selfish

[@vietnam1978]

@@adamxo. aw you poor thing

[@Buff-Wings]

If Tatum won MVP the internet would RIOT, even if he deserved it lol

[@invisobill2125]

Tatums just not that dude. He doesn’t do enough on his own and will probably never get the chance to with the stacked roaster around him.

[@Buff-Wings]

@@invisobill2125 my point exactly 😂 people like you would write a novel if he ever won MVP

[@invisobill2125]

@@Buff-Wings I’d do the same if Brunson won it. Some people just shouldn’t be in the conversation.

[@Buff-Wings]

@@invisobill2125 this is definitely a conversation you shouldn’t be a part of 😂

[@invisobill2125]

@@Buff-Wings what conversation? Enlighten me. How could Tatum win it over Jokic, SGA, Luka, Embiid?

[@ethanespo96]

Luka, Jokic, Giannis, and SGA all gonna be competing for MVP again

[@theetruth8626]

Sga only in any running because Giannis and Embiid injuries

[@greysongotzmer4126]

Embiid

[@spollory]

@@theetruth8626you don't know ball sga is as good as those guys

[@hextropica]

@@spollory shai is great but not mvp caliber

[@ryanamburgy2791]

@@theetruth8626 SGA is going to be on a 60+ win team brother

[@arexyouxepicxenough]

I think the one added benefit is media focusing on the mavs more so the whole "puts up numbers but doesn't win" at the start of the season may even happen again but the media may possibly actually be paying attention to the reality that they dealt with a bunch of injuries and had the most different starting line ups in the reg season.

[@NumberOneYukinoFan]

Wemby darkhouse mvp, and starts cementing his goat convo early 🤫

[@emilfrederiksen.1622]

Spurs are gonna be terrible again

[@recapaman8936]

Gotta at least win 50 somehow lol.

[@oogabooga2117]

STEP DAD, FUNKY DROPPED. DONT BEAT ME JUST YET.

[@bigclout0056]

This is “why did my wife leave me” level good

[@KamikOzzy_]

🤣

[@blablablaa14]

Beat him

[@mattjones6323]

What is wife one?

[@bigclout0056]

@@mattjones6323 i wish I remember the video or even roughly when it happened, but Funky ended it by asking a couple of questions. Something like “Will coach x be able to get more threes out of unwilling shooter y? Will player z finally get in shape before the start of the season?” Then, out of nowhere he just goes “why did my wife leave me”. It was hilarious

[@MadMadow-lv2lv]

Donakick for MVP

[@jameskelly1253]

Wemby as my dark horse MVP pick

[@HoopsAficionado]

Klay could potentially play a key role in Luka snagging his first MVP. If Thompson has a bounce back year, he could space the floor for Luka well, leading to better scoring opportunities. Plus Klay knocking down threes at say a 40 per cent plus clip on catch-and-shoots could increase Doncic's assist numbers. A 55 plus win season will also go a long way in helping Luka bag the MVP.

[@michaelmo1977]

Mavs need to finish 1 or 2 in the West for Luka to have a shot. He's got the stats but voters have been using the record as an excuse for a while. Mavs don't take the regular season serious enough, but are going to have to now for Luka to win one. Hopefully with all the depth they have this year injuries won't cause any major problems.

[@dead6673]

they gave it to westbrook they can give it to luka

[@sasukedark30]

Luka gonna win this year long as he stays healthy

[@YodaSmokes]

Shai

[@OCLProductionz]

@@YodaSmokesshai is gay

[@3serio]

I’ve said that the last 3yrs

[@schmittiTV]

He should have won last season he was robbed

[@hextropica]

@@YodaSmokes luka is def better than shai but it'll depend on seeding/injuries

[@thej9589]

If the Grizzles are good Ja Morant will be the MVP. He will have the narrative, the stats and the impact

[@billy306]

If San Antonio gets it’s the 45 win range and is in the playoffs don’t be surprised if wemby is in the mix. He should be around 26 ppg, 12 rebounds and 3+ blocks

[@flamingythermit314]

You vastly overestimate how good San Antonio will be. They're gonna be tanking for another year to get someone like cooper and THEN making the playoff push

[@billy306]

@@flamingythermit314 you don’t go get Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to tank. You do that to get better and speed up a rebuild.

[@Highlife427]

I think Jokic will have to continue to carry the nuggets more then any other star player. The way he controls the game without a high usage rate compared to Embiid and Luka makes the difference. For me it leads to better basketball when you pass the ball efficiently.

[@UrAHypocrite]

Nah Jokic wont win again due to voter fatigue and he don’t really care

[@lando9670]

Only reason he is a “low usage” is because he is a center and isn’t running pick and rolls. The entire offense is built to make his life easy, he doesn’t make the others life easier.

[@UOHCUNY]

@@lando9670 this is the stupidest thing ive heard

[@RandomNumber6598]

If SGA has the same year as last year and the Thunder are the 1-seed again, he will win it. Point blank.

[@Itslilmomo]

Yea I wish, but the media's gonna do everything in their power to get shai the mvp next year

[@natedogg890]

Nah he's Canadian, they dislike us as much as any other country

[@Vini7034]

Sai or Embid... No more white MVPs

[@dusk6159]

And Shaq is going to shame the european winner if Luka gets the award

[@Abhinav-mpeg4]

Sabonis is hella underrated he’s been MVP top 7 in 2023 and top 8 in 2024

[@mattdeluccia153]

Whoever it is isn’t going to deserve it. They’ll never give Jokic 4 in 5 years even though he’s significantly better than every other player

[@Processing321]

defense

[@cjones4521]

Shai Luka or Jokic, just like last year. Only new name that will get some love Is Ant. Brunson probably top 5 again

[@darkvader2024]

Giannis?

[@darkvader2024]

I'm picking Luka but still

[@steph899]

@@darkvader2024 everybody’s forgetting about the Bucks. IMO they’re the most underrated team in the league.

[@mogulme6190]

Watch Zion come out of nowhere

[@smgyro1476]

​​​@@darkvader2024Dude is dominating the Olympics, leading the group stage in scoring BY FAR while having ridiculous efficiency, and people are just ignoring the guy, like wtf?! Imagine Lebron was doing what Giannis is right now, you'd never hear the end of it.

[@stevenswayze]

The ascension of Ant will be televised

[@Gimmithat491]

The reigning projected mvp for 4 years straight 🔥💀

[@shaun7739]

I think it'll be Shai he'll have a chip on his shoulder after being snubbed this year

[@Sage_Hashish]

If SGA gets MVP then that would be an all time snub towards Luka. Luka is younger and has been better for longer, giving SGA the MVP over Luka would be generational hating.

[@ryanamburgy2791]

@@Sage_Hashish SGA is gonna be on a 60+ win team, Luka would need the Mavs to be a top 3 seed to stand a chance against that

[@nate-pq2lm]

I think this his best shot despite coming off his best season 40% from 3 gotta have 55 from field at least and i think he can get 8+ boards and 10+ assists and he is capable of averaging 30 but i think there gonna be winning good enough to not warrant the heavy minutes and high scoring but this was his best season last year and he was 3rd and numbers wise shai and jokic werent close Same w embiid to hes 30 now and it will be malpractice to bring him back from a injury early again

[@darren806]

Honestly, great take

[@SDesWriter]

If Luka can up his assist average due to Klay and Naji hitting jumpers, he’s going to win. They whine about his usage numbers to dismiss his 34 PPG, but if he puts up 30/12/10, there isn’t shit ANYONE can say. Same people whining about his defense had no problem with two MVPs for curry getting 30/6/5 while being a defensive liability.

[@universalplayz7496]

calling the steals leader a defensive liability is kinda wild im not gonna lie, he was a net positive on defense in 2016..........

[@SDesWriter]

@@universalplayz7496 Luca was 0.5 steals away from being the league leader and you can’t find a non-maverick fan who gives him any credit on defense at all. And no, Curry’s never been a defensive player. Part of it is his size and part of it is just coasting on defense so he’s got more energy on offense. Great shooter, but if he was MVP then no one has any room to ever criticize Doncic again

[@YahwehSaves]

But Curry is a much better offensive player than Luka ever was. 4x Champ btw.

[@SDesWriter]

@@YahwehSaves Okay, I normally avoid arguing with the functionally re tarded. Luka set the record for total offensive output this year (in the HISTORY of the NBA). He is the 3rd leading scorer in NBA history by ppg (behind Jordan and Wilt) and 2nd in playoff history (behind only Jordan). His career average is only 2 points below Curry's best season and he's more than 4ppg higher than Curry in average scoring. He's also averaging 3 more assists per game (along with 4 more rebounds per game). I mean seriously.....it's one thing to be a fanboy, it's completely different to be proud of your sycophantic ferver.

[@SDesWriter]

@@YahwehSaves and 2 of his 4 championships were led by Durant (the high scorer and better overall player). His TEAM won championships. He didn't win shit without them. You'll notice he's putting up the same numbers for the last 2 years and didn't even make the playoffs. Luka only missed the playoffs (with bad teams) once and that was when they intentionally sat him out to make sure they'd lose for a better draft pick. BTW, before Curry every made a Conference final, Luka has already made 2 of them AND an NBA Finals.

[@SnoreBearz]

as a mavs fan, luka aint winning any MVP, i just hope he will win a Finals MVP instead

[@UrAHypocrite]

The only reason why Luka didn’t win it last year and arguably the last two years is because of their standings. Prior to last season the Mavs roster was so mid and last season it was still mid and injury riddled until the trade deadline where they had the winning streak. Next year the Mavs are projected to be a lock 1-3 seed and so I think Luka can win multiple MVPs too down the line. They have one of the best FO in the league now and the future is bright for the Mavs💯💯

[@psychotropnilachtan8869]

We all know that theyve already decided to vote for Ant. If he has atleast above average season everyone will be riding his rocket

[@camnewton5550]

SGA or Luka

[@akivacoleman223]

I'm taking Embiid

[@_ben_miller]

Dmitch or chet. I have cavs-thunder in the finals. Dmitch will put up sga type numbers. Chet will be a tier 1 defender with 17, 6, 4 and efficient shooting

[@calebhastings6502]

Shoulda talked on the suns and Booker a bit more. U had a segment for Brunson and Tatum and booker gaps them.

[@tunofball331]

Ja Morant

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen320]

I’m betting on Jokic because he’s in the best shape of his career, and probably wants to make a statement after their playoff loss

[@shimmeytheking]

He never cared about MVP it's more about the post season for him.

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen320]

@@shimmeytheking I know he doesn’t care, but I still think he’s going to have a better season than last year. Especially with KCP gone and Jamal looking like he’s still injured in the Olympics. Jokic is the most efficient player in the league by a pretty wide margin

[@UrAHypocrite]

Nah he won’t win again due to voter fatigue and he doesn’t really care

[@UrAHypocrite]

I disagree because the only reason why Luka didn’t win it last year and arguably the last two years is because of their standings. Prior to last season the Mavs roster was so mid and last season it was still mid and injury riddled until the trade deadline where they had the winning streak. Next year the Mavs are projected to be a lock 1-3 seed and so I think Luka can win multiple MVPs too down the line. They have one of the best FO in the league now and the future is bright for the Mavs💯💯@@smittywerbenjagermanjensen320

[@hlias_raskolnikov]

Bro Jokic need to have a generational record breaking season and a first seed in order to win a fourth mvp otherwise he'll not even be in the conversation due to voter fatigue....

[@peacefulwarrior9518]

Luka doesn't need to take a break so he can heal his knee. He needs to get in shape so he doesn't get injured.

[@dead6673]

his knee started bleeding through his knee pads during the finals bro NEEDS to heal his knee lmao

[@peacefulwarrior9518]

@@dead6673 That was a skinned knee. The least of his worries. Soft tissue stuff is what is scary. And that is caused by poor movement technique / weak stabilizers / excess weight. Three things he has problems with.

[@dead6673]

@@peacefulwarrior9518 he had knee surgery prior his stitches opened you can be dense if you want to i’m not stopping you

[@henken__sensei5820]

We’re that deep in the offense huh

[@florentlasry3978]

De'Aaron Fox will replace Sabonis for the MVP conversation.

[@hazeofthegreensmoke505]

Anthony Edwards has the highest potential in the league... followed by Luka and Wemby.

[@alexescutia4805]

Potential is wemby for sure

[@supakoen2892]

Ant is only 2 years younger than Luka, don’t see him reaching Luka’s level in 2 years.

[@johannbogason1662]

Never mind the MVP. Luka is by far the MWP (most watchable player) and therefore by default MVP

[@jonasgorea3823]

Yeah as a Thunder fan, shai just doesn’t have the usage rate to compete w Luka Giannis and joker. His numbers like funk said won’t be as impressive as a result. I think it helps okc out tho in keeping him healthy for the playoffs.

[@spazzz6683]

Shai had a .1 percent lower usage than Giannis, 3.2 percent less than Luka, and had a higher usage rate than Jokic. What are you talking about?

[@dariusdragomir9414]

If jokic gets 1 seat with russell westbrick on his team he should get 2 mvps in the same season fr 😂😂😂😂😂

[@thedarkside314]

W Celtic fan.

[@user-bp1pu]

If embiid plays 65 games its him

[@dreleyman5152]

I feel like the mvp is just playing catch up for who should’ve had it previously. Luka should’ve had it last year but Jokic got it cause embiid stole the year before. Now Luka can average worse numbers and still win it because last year should’ve been his. Kinda weird how the mvp is now changed by what happened the year before too.

[@ATF-]

The world in its entirety has became a joke. The nba is no different

[@just_tom00]

Embiid did not "steal" it. Him and jokic have been the 2 best players in the nba the last 3-4 years

[@Dorian-kj8uh]

@@just_tom00”Embiid has been a top 2 player in the league the last 4 years” who you lying to? Embiid hasn’t been better than Luka since Luka’s rookie season

[@RealMrSmile]

What a bs comment

[@fehem1211]

its luka even tho he shouldve won last year

[@HotSteamer]

Ant stole the future face of the league from Ja like it’s gta

[@Sage_Hashish]

Same way that Ja stole it from Zion. Let these players develop first before calling them the face of the league

[@HotSteamer]

@@Sage_Hashish fact

[@CameronF3]

RJ Barrett is going to win it and I’m not even joking

[@travelguide-ln7uh]

Agreed

[@excessfinesse]

Maybe MIP. Raptors won’t be good enough for him to win MVP.

[@adraino7345]

Seen any good movies lately Mr Funk?

[@netKelvins]

I think jokic will yet still win his 4th considering he will have to bear much more responsibility given his team's been maimed...

[@mogulme6190]

Zion is going to shock people next season

[@TheSergio1021]

If he can even finish next season

[@vietnam1978]

Lol

[@shamsielshahar120]

Going to shock people he'll have another crazy OF woman going after him?

[@kingdinodragonite3470]

ANT before his hand injury this March was shooting 39% from 3.

[@chrispapic-hiller3866]

I think Shai is gonna get it. If OKC wins 60+ games its his imo, he will average 30 6 6 2 1 on 50-55 shooting and 60+ true shooting on 2 turnovers. Those are prime MJ numbers on maybe the best team

[@tartar1016]

Luka will most likely average better numbers on what will probably be either the first or second best team in the west (along with okc). The entire mavs system is built around him, and while shai plays a big part in okc, their system isn't quite litteraly designed around him. In fact, Shai's mvp case might even get weakened due to how good the rest of his teamates are, sorta like tatum in boston. Unless Luka isn't healthy, I don't see Shai winning it over him.

[@chrispapic-hiller3866]

@@tartar1016 Im not as high on the mavs as everyone else is, i dont think they will have a better record than okc denver or the wolves, maybe even memphis. Still super good in the playoffs, but i dont see them winning 55 games. OKC could easily win 60 games next year, and Shai just placed 2nd in MVP voting, higher than Luka even with the difference in numbers. He can easily get it over luka imo

[@UrAHypocrite]

@@chrispapic-hiller3866 I disagree because the only reason why Luka didn’t win it last year and arguably the last two years is because of their standings. Prior to last season the Mavs roster was so mid and last season it was still mid and injury riddled until the trade deadline where they had the winning streak. Next year the Mavs are projected to be a lock 1-3 seed and so I think Luka can win multiple MVPs too down the line. They have one of the best FO in the league now and the future is bright for the Mavs💯💯

[@tartar1016]

@@chrispapic-hiller3866 Why don't you see them winning over 55 games? The mavs won 50 games this season and made the fucking finals, while dealing with a ton of injuries, relying heavily on a rookie center and not having two of their key players until after the trade deadline. Assuming healthy, this years mavs team is not only objectivly better on paper, but also have playoff experience, have more chemistry, as well as see a lot of their young players keep improving. Meanwhile, Denver, that was already lacking depth, lost one of their starting 5 and has almost no bench. Minessota are relying on a rookie and a pretty old player (in basketball standards) to run their point, which is a very risky game. Those two teams have at *best* stayed the same while the mavs got way better. So genuinely, what makes you think that the mavs can't be as good if not better than them?

[@ryanamburgy2791]

Its between SGA and Luka. Jokic will face voter fatigue finally, Embiid won't play 65 games, and the Bucks won't be good enough for Giannis to have a shot.

[@rpol8540]

SMART MAN!

[@thatfatguy7591]

Top 5: Luka, Shai, Joker, Giannis, Wemby.

[@vietnam1978]

Lol Wemby?

[@srimankolli9565]

Bro is Patrick Mahomes

[@maddo1069]

We're only having this conversation because Mario Hezonja is too good for the NBA

[@Nahanoo]

Ngl I don’t think these voters are looking at TS%, that’d be too much research for them

[@EzeBall1710]

Ja morant darkhorse

[@marcgilles4520]

Jayson Tatum MVP!

[@faisalsalik5595]

bro didn't saw lebron holding the script on the video that just went viral

[@mattjones6323]

What it say

[@mogulme6190]

SGA is damn point guard, why would he rebound like Jokic or Giannis?

[@tartar1016]

To be fair, one of his direct rivals for the mvp is Luka, who's also a point guard, and gets hella rebounds.

[@jonasgorea3823]

@@tartar1016luka is also huge as hell especially for a pg. I saw that pic of him and towns and luka looks taller. I understand it’s probably the angle but still.

[@aximus11]

@@jonasgorea3823bro what it’s def the angle towns is like 6’11/7’ Luka is like 6’8 6’9 at most

[@jonasgorea3823]

@@aximus11 that’s still gigantic for a guard

[@Sage_Hashish]

@@jonasgorea3823difference between Luka and Shai is just one inch

[@outsidethematrix593]

We know how the media treats Luka. There is no way he is winning MVP.

[@joopsmiranda9219]

bam adebayo

[@danielcraig1745]

Paolo will be mvp

[@SwiftViper]

After what I saw last season and Luka still not winning it idk what more he has to do atp.

[@Awhmanlol]

Give it to Ant already

[@Sage_Hashish]

Generational dickriding

[@realkevinharlan]

“[Luka] can play heavy minutes in a great defense. He won’t be the reason it’s a great defense, but he can exist in it” What?? Respectfully this means nothing

[@redz2d]

It means that the Mavs are built in a way that Luka while not being an exceptional defender on his own the Mavs can cover for his shortcomings while he plays good enough defense where he isn't nearly as much of a liability otherwise.

[@xidist]

SPOILER: it's jayson tatum

[@marcgilles4520]

It’s going to be Tatum.

[@bmillersince92]

Shai should get it this year if he’s number 1 seed again and still putting up similar numbers it’s gotta be Shai, a lot of pros think Shai shoulda won mvp this year

[@majr2248]

Did u see Luka play. Love Shai but he’s just not as good, I think Dallas will be a top 3 seed comfortably, if they don’t give him the award this year it’s fraudulent

[@bmillersince92]

@@majr2248 lol it’s not to far off bro, you forget the game is played 2 ways??? You can’t be mvp and getting 4-1 in the finals respect to him for making it there but he caught a very young okc team and a wolves team that isn’t consistent and the Celtics ran thru him they was targeting him on defense getting easy buckets, while Shai led the league In steals and shot 53% from the floor all while being 6’6, Luka has respect for Shai for a reason never tries to son him like the other guys he plays

[@UrAHypocrite]

@@bmillersince92 I disagree because the only reason why Luka didn’t win it last year and arguably the last two years is because of their standings. Prior to last season the Mavs roster was so mid and last season it was still mid and injury riddled until the trade deadline where they had the winning streak. Next year the Mavs are projected to be a lock 1-3 seed and so I think Luka can win multiple MVPs too down the line. They have one of the best FO in the league now and the future is bright for the Mavs💯💯 If you still believe the BS narrative that Luka has no defense, you’re completely wrong! Luka’s injuries got too much so he had to rely on team defense instead of 1v1 for two reasons: a. to conserve energy for facilitating offense and scoring b. that was their gameplan the whole playoffs is to lure the attacker to the help defender so naturally he’ll let em blowby and switch to the other player. I suggest you watch a yt channel called "Awful Coaching” where he had a couple videos praising and analyzing Lukas defense during the OKC/Clippers series and Mavs strategy into winning games. Luka is actually "GOOD” at defense now this season before the injuries piled up and got too much. If you watch Mavs Ball yk He was playing the best defense of his life this season and in the playoffs, specifically Clippers/OKC series that guys were shooting 2/17 fg when guarded by Luka. He had a great all around defensive year before he got injured right before the playoffs and you can tell it just got too much in the Finals that he had to take painkiller injections before each game. He needed to conserve energy more than ever to make the injury bearable, also to facilitate and score cuz all of a sudden no one can. He had to rely on team defense but Boston was just too good and they lost. If Dallas had faced a team like the 2023 heat and not a superteam they would’ve won! But they lost so the narrative shifted again and just blame it all on Lukas defense cause thats easy right, when his literal teammates couldn’t make shots to save their lives and most of em choked! All I can say to all Ignorants out there is to expect a more focused and determined Healthy Luka at both defense & offense next season💯

[@Kcashgunna]

@@UrAHypocrite shai>luka it will be proven this year

[@quasar1567]

​@niall4374 all OKC fans saw Luka play in the post season. And almost every single one believes he played worse than Shai.

[@matiaselidd1359]

Shai MVP

[@cocozimme]

Funky you are the best, but its gonna be ant

[@cocozimme]

Also shoulda been all defense last year too

[@christiangarrett1076]

Zion top 5

[@verward]

SGA! SGA! SGA!

[@MahcusSmahrt36]

Luka shouldn’t even be considered. He plays one side of the ball. And no matter how great he is on offence. I’m taking Giannis. Also before anyone says jokic, at very least jokic makes a 50% effort on defence, Luka doesn’t even bother getting back

[@spollory]

do you even watch basketball? luka has proved himself to be at the very least an average defender. y'all stuck on this narrative that his defense is bad when it's just not

[@MahcusSmahrt36]

@@spollory did you watch the finals? Dude was on the other side of the court complaining to the refs nearly every time they had to defend.

[@psychotropnilachtan8869]

Luka doesnt play defence but Mavs somehow made it to conference finals twice over last 3 years. Bucks 0 times. I guess defense is overrated :D

[@MahcusSmahrt36]

@@psychotropnilachtan8869 didn’t win a ring though… plenty sorry ass teams have made conference finals. And again his offence is so good he can get that far. But it will be the hurdle he has to overcome. I’m not saying he can’t, I’m saying he might not.

[@spollory]

@@MahcusSmahrt36 sure but he's still not a bad defender overall. i'm not saying he defended well in the finals by any means but as a player he is an average defender at least

[@SuperSikarlo]

Maybe Ja

[@drehitemup9904]

Okc might win 60 games think shai is getting it tbh

[@anonymouslykinda145]

SGA or Luka.

[@kevinllanes7748]

What is Walsh looking at ? 🤨🤣

[@mattjones6323]

Bronny James

[@UOHCUNY]

It's jokic

[@joshahlstrom2764]

I think it’s gonna be Shai tbh. OKC is gonna be insane during the regular season and that will help him. Better than Dallas imo.

[@UrAHypocrite]

I disagree because the only reason why Luka didn’t win it last year and arguably the last two years is because of their standings. Prior to last season the Mavs roster was so mid and last season it was still mid and injury riddled until the trade deadline where they had the winning streak. Next year the Mavs are projected to be a lock 1-3 seed and so I think Luka can win multiple MVPs too down the line. They have one of the best FO in the league now and the future is bright for the Mavs💯💯

[@OCLProductionz]

Doncic was ROBBED OF MVP this season: • 34/9/10 • 1st in points • 2nd in assists • 73 point game (4th highest ever) • First 33/9/9 season in NBA history • Most 30-PT TD’s since MVP Russ • 1st in 25-point games • 1st in 35-point games • 1st in 40-point games • 1st in 45-point games • 2nd in 3’s made • Top 10 in steals • 61.7% TS • Highest scoring season in Mavs history • Most PPG + RPG + APG since the merger. • Most consecutive 25 point triple-doubles ever • Most consecutive 30 point triple-doubles ever • Lifted Mavs from 11 seed to 5 seed • Most games missed by teammates among all playoff teams • Mavs 50+ wins • Mavs 1st in clutch win% • 6th best record in entire NBA

[@LeviAndFriends111]

If VW goes for 25/10/5/4 Pts, rbds, assists, blocks Then what? Still Luka?😂

[@lilfagalz1008]

Not even close lmao those aren’t mvp numbers and the spurs won’t be good enough, give it 2 more years

[@mathewomolo]

MVP is Giannis

[@Aussiepingpong]

Shai will win MVP.

[@alexvollkommer1598]

Am I wild to throw a $10 bet on wemby

[@aximus11]

Not wild just an idiot, bro barely won 20 games last season you think they are going to give a mvp award to someone that will miss the playoffs

[@Tayte25]

@@aximus11 Spurs are my sleepers for making the playoffs.

[@mattjones6323]

Definitely not

[@jk2duelingcommentaryandana744]

Bro I’m so tired of Luka

[@Jiturra01]

Just give it to SGA... Some of the best foul baiting I've seen in my life. He truly captures the spirit of the game when he's at the FT line

[@kjjr3270]

If Embiid stays healthy he is winning this year, cause he will get his 30+ and 10+ in 3 quarters like last year and let Maxey and PG cook. If Philly gets the 2nd seed i don't think anyone is getting it other than him. If Shai or Luka getting the 1st seed this year, especially Shai getting it again i would even have him before Embiid, thats if he can average 30 on good efficiency again. What might happen as well is that Luka and especially Embiid ain't playingbthem 65 games, cause they want to focuse on the post season more and since they both struggle being healthy they want to minimize the risks

[@YodaSmokes]

Shai

[@giacomogrosso1388]

Tatum MVP 2025 (Im kidding but still... Best player in the best team)

[@nicholasalexander9866]

Zion! Hopefully, my team finally gets their stuff together and stay healthy

[@nomorepartiezz]

How do we tell him…

[@nicholasalexander9866]

@@nomorepartiezz Don’t do that to me. Let me have some hope 😭

[@mogulme6190]

Nah you’re right…I think Zion is better than a lot of these guys… he just kept getting hurt and wasn’t taking it as serious as he should. But watching him his entire career I could see something change with him last season.

[@aidenquist]

giannis is being counted out so much 😂

[@JolteOnWisconsin]

Yep, he likes it like that which means he’ll average 35 12 and 8 with 2 blocks and a steal per game

[@IDK-0402]

Bucks are mid that's why

[@aidenquist]

@@IDK-0402 please explain to me what team has a better roster other than the boston celtics?

[@realityblood]

@@aidenquistuh the sixers, knicks, and cavs??

[@aidenquist]

@@realityblood so you are saying all around they have a better team?? names ≠ success 😭😭 only one comparable is nyk

[@alexanderdevell7538]

Hello