James has been just about as dominant this season, maybe with a bit of decline due to age. His supporting cast has been trash. I don't think anyone's overall performance has much to do with the conference they're in. If you want to argue that the Bucks wouldn't have the same record in the West, that's maybe a bit more arguable than that Giannis would personally be less dominant in the West.
Its not that much of a reach, the best “record” + best player on that team. Well Milwuakee comes west they wouldnt be the best record, so that arguement wouldnt work. It should go to Harden and I really dislike Hardens game, but he’s in a tougher conference averaging crazy points, but winning and carrying a team that doesnt have a ton going for it outside of the odd moments cp3 isnt hurt.
As I pointed out earlier, Milwaukee has a better record against Western opponents (and a far better point differntial) than anyone in the league. Your argument here hold no water whatsoever-- i'd stick to your claims of bias because of preference to their games.
As I pointed out their record wouldn't be at all the same if they played a western conference schedule and had to play tough teams every night.
Really not getting this PG love. He is shooting 39% from the field and 33% from 3 since the all star break and has led his team to a 7-11 record in the same stretch once their schedule got tougher. I'd stick him below Dame in my MVP voting.
Switch them and I bet Milwaukee is better with PG13 and okc is worse as then they'll have two guys who can't shoot that need the ball to be effective.
bball reference has a good formula that usually predicts the way the voters will vote. They agree with my rankings. https://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/mvp.html
Take Milwaukee's record against each conference and flip the number of games against each, they still have the best record in the league. Also, Houston has a bigger plus/minus dropoff when CP3 is out than when Harden is.
Well how the "voters" vote isn't part of the conversation. They'll vote for Giannis. They decided that a long time ago, they like Giannis, their pushing Giannis.
That argument isn't even necessary for Antetokounmpo to win the MVP. He should win it because he's been the most dominant player in basketball. He's the most valuable player in the league because, this year, he's provided the most value towards helping his team succeed--by virtue of being the best player.
So across the board his numbers against WC teams are down from his season averages? (For the record, I am joking. They are down, but not by any significant amount.) I'm not arguing against Giannis as MVP, I was just saying that I agree with Tortured when he takes into account how much easier it is to play in the east.
The OP was talking about if Portland finishes as the #2 seed. If that happened would you still put Dame 7th and have Jokic in 3rd?
