The Milwaukee Bucks are off to one of the best starts in team history. The Bucks were projected to be at the top of the Eastern Conference but no one expected this kind of start. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a big reason for this start but it is not just him. Basketball Reference tracks the MVP candidates throughout the year and the top 10 had some surprises. 3 Bucks are in Basketball Reference’s MVP Tracker.
3 Bucks In Basketball Reference’s MVP Tracker
Basketball reference’s NBA MVP Award Tracker:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2. Luka Doncic
3. Donovan Mitchell
4. Jrue Holiday
5. Nikola Jokic
6. Jayson Tatum
7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
8. Bobby Portis
9. Ja Morant
10. Pascal Siakam— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) November 5, 2022
Most teams would feel great about one player in the top 10 of an MVP conversation. The Bucks have three. It is no surprise to see Giannis at the top of the list. He is averaging just under 33 points per game and adding in 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Jrue Holiday has been a big reason for the hot start as he has stepped up in Khris Middleton‘s absence. He is averaging over 20 points a game and adding 5 rebounds and 7 assists. These two players are expected to be the focus of the Bucks’ offense. The third player on the list is one nobody saw coming.
Bobby Portis On MVP Watch
There is no way he wins this award but Portis has been a monster this season. He is averaging 13 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. the energy he brings to the second unit cannot be quantified and he also fires up the crowd. While MVP is unlikely, Portis is the clear Sixth Man of the Year leader right now. Many wondered whether the Bucks would bring back Portis and they are happy they did.
When a team has three players on MVP watch, it makes sense that they have started great. The Bucks are looking like Eastern Conference favorites right now. It is early in the season but this is good to see out of the team. The 76ers and the Nets are going through early-season struggles which is putting more pressure on winning now. The Bucks are in the driver’s seat and can play loose. If the season continues like it has, expect many Bucks players to receive awards at the end of the season.
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