Is the NBA becoming a global game dominated by international stars? The Kia MVP Ladder is here, and it's making a bold statement: foreign-born players are not just participating; they're leading the charge. But how did we get here, and what does it mean for the future of American basketball? Let's dive in.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues his stellar performance from last season, positioning himself as a strong contender for the MVP title. But his rise is just one piece of a much larger, more fascinating puzzle.
Rewind a few decades: When David Stern, the former NBA commissioner, partnered with FIBA to welcome international players, did anyone envision the impact it would have? It wasn't just opening doors; it was unleashing a tidal wave of talent that would reshape the league. The NBA's intent was clear: to mirror the global appeal of soccer, fostering a worldwide passion for basketball, especially among young athletes. It was about providing an alternative athletic path, expanding the game's reach, and, crucially, boosting the NBA's global presence. Mission accomplished, and then some! The influx of diverse skills and playing styles has undoubtedly enriched the game, making it more dynamic and exciting for fans worldwide.
And this is the part most people miss... The Kia Most Valuable Player Award, the highest individual honor in the NBA, is increasingly within reach of international players. This week's Kia MVP Ladder vividly illustrates this trend: the top six spots are all held by players born outside the United States. That's right, six of the top contenders for the league's most prestigious individual award hail from other countries.
Consider this: An American-born player hasn't clinched the MVP title since James Harden in 2017-18. For seven consecutive seasons, the Kia MVP trophy has been hoisted by international stars. And, barring any major surprises, this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Countries like Canada, Serbia, Greece, France, and Slovenia are collectively dominating the scene, presenting a formidable challenge to their American counterparts.
One of the most significant consequences of Stern's vision is the emergence of international players who grew up idolizing NBA legends like Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. These young athletes, inspired by their American heroes, have honed their skills and become stars in their own right, captivating fans both at home and abroad. American fans, increasingly drawn to the quality of play above all else, readily embrace these international stars.
What we're witnessing with players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is a testament to Stern's legacy: a globally popular game where international talent has significantly enhanced the overall product. But Here's where it gets controversial... Does this international dominance threaten the future of American basketball, or does it simply raise the bar, pushing American players to strive for even greater heights?
And now, without further ado, let's get to the Ladder...
Setting the stage for an exciting week ahead: Wednesday's matchup between the Lakers and the Thunder promises to be a clash of titans. The reigning Kia MVP contender, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, will face off against Luka Dončić, arguably the best active player yet to win an MVP award. Is this Dončić's year to finally claim the throne, or will Gilgeous-Alexander continue his reign and secure back-to-back titles? Prepare for drama!
The Stat to Know: Luka Dončić kicked off the season with three consecutive 40-point games, a feat not seen since Wilt Chamberlain in 1961 and 1962. This incredible start underscores Dončić's offensive prowess and his determination to contend for the MVP award.
What They're Saying: "His life is so consistent in terms of routine… so when the lights are on and you see consistent performance, it’s backed by consistent and disciplined practice," says Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, highlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's unwavering dedication and preparation.
The Kia MVP Ladder (Week of November 15, 2024):
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Last Week: Gilgeous-Alexander continued his dominant play, scoring at least 30 points in wins against the Clippers and Pelicans, extending OKC's winning streak to eight games before a loss to Portland (where OKC was shorthanded).
- Season Stats: 33.3 points, 6.3 assists, 5.4 rebounds. (https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1628983/)
- His Case: It takes a monumental effort to unseat the reigning champion from the top spot, and despite intense competition, Gilgeous-Alexander shows no signs of relinquishing his position. His exceptional play, unwavering focus, and ability to keep OKC atop the Western Conference remain undeniable. He started the season strong with 35 points in a double-overtime victory against Houston and has consistently elevated his performance since then. He's had a 55-point game and has scored 30 or more in eight of his nine games, including four games where he reached 30 points without playing in the fourth quarter. The man has superpowers, indeed!
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Last Week: Antetokounmpo delivered a heroic performance in Indiana, scoring 33 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, capped off by a game-winning buzzer-beater, leading the Bucks to victory. (https://www.nba.com/game/0022500157/)
- Season Stats: 32.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists. (https://www.nba.com/stats/player/203507/)
- His Case: For those who questioned whether the Bucks would falter due to a perceived lack of depth, Antetokounmpo is taking it personally. Without the support of a consistent All-Star teammate, he must consistently deliver massive performances to give the Bucks a chance to win. He seems determined to carry the Bucks to respectability, and it's possible he might succeed before the season's end. The two-time MVP is shouldering a significant burden, demonstrating his immense value to the team.
3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
- Last Week: Jokić recorded a dominant triple-double against Miami, tallying 33 points (on 12-18 shooting), 15 rebounds, 16 assists, and three steals in just three quarters of play. He boasts 71 career triple-doubles. (https://www.nba.com/game/0022500178/)
- Season Stats: 24.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, 12.0 assists. (https://www.nba.com/stats/player/203999/)
- His Case: Jokić is once again averaging a triple-double, a feat few players in NBA history have achieved. He already has five triple-doubles this season, matching the rest of the league combined. We are witnessing a historic individual run, as he has won three MVPs and finished as runner-up twice in the past five years. While his scoring is slightly below his usual standards, this is likely due to having more support from his teammates, allowing him to focus on other aspects of the game. His efficiency remains exceptional at 61%.
4. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
- Last Week: After a sensational opening week, Wembanyama experienced a slight dip in production, averaging 14 points and 8.5 rebounds in two losses.
- Season Stats: 25.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.1 blocks. (https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1641705/)
- His Case: Wembanyama has captivated the basketball world with his unique skillset and immense potential. He started the season on fire, displaying dominance on both ends of the court and showing improvements in all facets of his game. His early feats included a 40-point performance against Anthony Davis and nine blocks against the Pelicans, along with nearly achieving six consecutive double-figure rebounding games. It seems inevitable that Wembanyama will win at least one MVP award, and that's a conservative estimate. But, let's be honest, his success might just extend the international MVP streak even further!
5. Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
- Last Week: Dončić averaged a triple-double in wins over the Spurs and Heat, averaging 45 points per game in October.
- Season Stats: 40 points, 11 rebounds, 9.2 assists. (https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1629029/)
- His Case: The biggest obstacle for Dončić in the MVP race is his availability. With a minimum of 65 games required for award eligibility, Dončić can only miss 13 more games between now and early April. He missed too many games last season due to injury, preventing him from qualifying for the MVP chase. However, when he's on the court, he's been spectacular. He opened the season with 43, 49, and 44 points, and has already recorded his 83rd career triple-double. He's also getting to the free-throw line frequently, averaging 14 attempts per game. His improved physique seems to be benefiting him, but the question remains: can he maintain this level of performance throughout the entire season?
The Next 5:
- Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
And Five More (Listed Alphabetically): Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns; Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons; Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers; Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
So, what do you think? Is the NBA's increasing international flavor a positive development, or does it come at the expense of American players? Will an American-born player break the international MVP streak anytime soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
