![]() The 25-year-old big man has the athleticism, versatility and intensity needed in the modern game, and he ranked among the league's leaders in ESPN's Defensive Real Plus-Minus while averaging a double-double last season. This year's field has been thinned by injuries to Celtics forward Robert Williams III and Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., and Green has serious work to do to repair his reputation following his inexplicable preseason fisticuffs.Adebayo is an intriguing name because he's an established interior force for a defensive-minded Miami team that will lean more heavily on him after losing P.J. Defensive Player of the Year: Bam AdebayoExpect another wide-open race after voters bucked convention last season by making Boston's Marcus Smart the first guard to win the award since 1996. James won the 2012 MVP, his third, on similar grounds, once a consensus built that he had taken the baton from the Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki generation.Also consider: Luka Doncic averaging a triple-double without Jalen Brunson in Dallas, Joel Embiid breaking through with some help from Philadelphia's improved supporting cast and Jayson Tatum getting Brownie points for pulling a loaded Boston roster through its coaching transition.-2. This is the year for Antetokounmpo to win because he's the best, period. The truth? Antetokounmpo has ascended to the top of the list because he is now more dependable and physically dominant than the elder statesmen that he reveres.Antetokounmpo won the 2019 MVP because he was unexpectedly great and the 2020 MVP because he came back even better. In various interviews over the past two years, the 27-year-old Greek forward has nominated Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and LeBron James as the best player in basketball. Sadly, routine genius often gets taken for granted by voters.But consider the growing possibility that the masses are ready to recognize Antetokounmpo as the NBA's marquee talent. Remember, the Bucks played deep into July during their 2021 title run.Perhaps the biggest hang-up for Antetokounmpo is his lack of a juicy narrative: The Bucks return the same core that they have had for years, and they are unlikely to chase late-season wins or run up his playing time to land him more hardware. That consistent excellence has translated to two MVPs and third- and fourth-place finishes, and he is a near-lock to be back in the mix this season after his first normal offseason since 2019. In each of the past four seasons, he has averaged at least 27 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, even though he hasn't played more than 33 minutes a night. MVP: Giannis AntetokounmpoThe modern MVP discourse has become increasingly dominated by statistical production, and few players in history have put up numbers like Antetokounmpo's. As the NBA seeks to put a messy offseason in the rearview mirror as quickly as possible, here's an overview of the 2023 award races, which feature some familiar faces but also plenty of new blood.-1. Wednesday's slate will bring the debuts of the Brooklyn Nets, who are still recovering from Kevin Durant's offseason trade requests, and the Phoenix Suns, who remain in limbo after disgraced owner Robert Sarver agreed to sell the franchise.Eventually, the focus will return to the hardwood, where the Warriors and Celtics lead a deep pack of championship hopefuls. Later that night, the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors, whose title defense is off to a rocky start after a video leaked of Draymond Green punching teammate Jordan Poole during a practice earlier this month. The NBA's summer of scandal and controversy is bound to linger over the start of the 2022-23 season.When the new season officially tips off on Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers will visit the Boston Celtics, who will be without Coach Ime Udoka due to his suspension for an inappropriate relationship with a female co-worker. ![]()
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