Trophy Race | Our favorites for the title of “Best Player”

What do we have in common? Giannis AntetokounmpoTraci McGrady, Ja Morant and… Aaron Brooks? All these players with quite different careers won the title of “Best Player”, best progress of the season. Most of the time this award represents the start of a career such as in recent years Paul George, Jimmy Butler or Pascal Siakam. A good sign for Dyson Daniels, anything but expected from such a celebration last season with the Hawks. Who will succeed the Australian fullback? Our editorial team sees the client stand out: Danny Avdia.

The Blazers winger already began his rise in the second half of last season. More responsible and with the ball in his hand, Avdija confirmed the promises seen since coming to the NBA in Washington. Averaging 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists before the All-Star Game – similar numbers to last year with the Wizards – the ninth pick in the 2020 draft saw his production explode to 23.3 points on 50.8% shooting, including 41.7% on 3.7 points and 9.5 points and 9.2 assists. Statistically as well as in his impact on the game, the Israeli has become the main player for Portland.

If he continues his momentum, the momentum of a true potential All-Star, at least a spot on the “MIP” podium seems assured. And the Blazers’ collective results could carry a lot of weight come voting time, especially if it gets the franchise back to the playoffs, or even the playoffs. Avdija is the first in our newsroom with a little less than half of the first places (43%).

2023 draft in the spotlight?

Rarely could one of his main opponents be… one of his teammates. Shaedon Sharpe it also took on a new dimension in 2025 in Portland. A talented scorer, the Canadian also made a jump after the last All-Star game, when he averaged more than 21 points per game (18.5 for the entire season). Seeing him place himself in the club of players who average over 20 points over the course of a season should get him some late season reports.

As is often the case, the top candidates for MIP should also include players in their third year in the NBA. Amen Thompson is among the favorites after the 2024-2025 season. The wing is no longer a promise, he has truly become one of the Rockets’ strong men. Fred VanVleet’s injury should give him more creative responsibilities, something that will boost his numbers a bit more. Also retained in 2023. Brandon Miller has so far been partially hampered by injuries, which limited him to 27 games last season. The Hornets winger is loaded with talent, and he won’t lack the ball in Charlotte to show it off.

Finally, just like in Portland, two Pacers players also took the top spot on our editorial team: Benedict Maturin etc Andrew Nembhardt. The absence of Tyrese Haliburton will have to be made up for, and the two players should be among the main ones to appear. Maturin returns the starting spot and should be Indiana’s second offensive option behind Pascal Siakam. Nembhardt will be moved into a leadership position and is expected to be one of Rick Carlisle’s main team managers.

OUR FAVORITE

2024-2025 stats: 16.9 points on 47.6% shooting, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1 steal per 30 minutes

NOSE OUTSIDERS

2024-2025 stats: 21 points at 40.3%, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists in 34.2 minutes

2024-2025 stats: 14.1 points on 55.7% shooting, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks in 32.2 minutes

• Benedict Maturin (Pacers)

2024-2025 stats: 16.1 points on 45.8% shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists in 29.8 minutes

2024-2025 stats: 10 points on 45.8% shooting, 3.3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.2 steals in 28.9 minutes