[The GoatParticipant]

 Just noticed the current top 12 in scoring – 

Harden, Curry, AD, KD, Kawhi, LeBron, PG, Embiid, Giannis, Lillard, Griffin and Kemba

With the team exception of possibly Kyrie, are these the top 12 in the MVP race? 

While I’ve never really drilled down to that level of comparison to know if this is always the case or thereabouts, I think it highlights the league’s point explosion this year and the value of offense in this game. 

Could the ’04 Pistons buck the trend in this league? Are we just without defenders good enough to stop the offense now because of all the rule changes? 

Will this change in the playoffs this time around or has momentum shifted?

 Lastly, who is your defensive player of the year so far? Paul George is ballin’ for mine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BeardedDragon84Participant]

 While there can be some lively debate on whether Jokic is in the top 5 in MVP currently, he has to be in the top 12. Best player on the best team in the better conference.

I dont think the pistons could buck the trend… but it would be interesting to see them fully commit to the three ball and leave big ben inside to outmuscle and outhustle everybody, if they could have the offense to keep up with everyone today while clearly being one of the best defensive units. I just dont know how thier tough defense would stop the three ball… dont think it’s possible. And yes, the rule changes would work against them.

Paul George has a good chance for DPOY… I’d love to see it go to Robert Covington, but he hasn’t raised the timberwolves defensive rating high enough. If Pacers are right there with the thunder in defensive numbers and Turner leads the league in blocks than he has a chance.

 

 

 

 

[halfdecayedParticipant]

 PG should be leading the DPOY race right now IMO.. Best defensive team in the league. 

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 Lonzo Ball should be considered for 1st team all defense. He’s holding opposing guards to only 32% fg . And averages 1.1 steals a game. Gary Payton said Lonzo reminds him of himself on the defensive end. 

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 Lonzo Ball should be considered for 1st team all defense. He’s holding opposing guards to only 32% fg . And averages 1.1 steals a game. Gary Payton said Lonzo reminds him of himself on the defensive end. 

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 Lonzo Ball should be considered for 1st team all defense. He’s holding opposing guards to only 32% fg . And averages 1.1 steals a game. Gary Payton said Lonzo reminds him of himself on the defensive end. 

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 Lonzo Ball should be considered for 1st team all defense. He’s holding opposing guards to only 32% fg . And averages 1.1 steals a game. Gary Payton said Lonzo reminds him of himself on the defensive end. 

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 Lonzo Ball should be considered for 1st team all defense. He’s holding opposing guards to only 32% fg . And averages 1.1 steals a game. Gary Payton said Lonzo reminds him of himself on the defensive end. 

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 Lonzo Ball should be considered for 1st team all defense. He’s holding opposing guards to only 32% fg . And averages 1.1 steals a game. Gary Payton said Lonzo reminds him of himself on the defensive end. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I have Paul George 3rd for the MVP at the moment.  But there is a log jam of guys (PG, Russ, LeBron, Embiid, Jokic) outside of the Big 2 (Harden/Freak).  

I would probably have Luka ahead of Griffin and Kemba in my MVP race although he is not in my top 10 at the moment.  By the end of the year, only 5 or 6 players might be legit ahead of Luka.  A future (current?) flagship superstar.

[The GoatParticipant]

 Of course, massive oversight from me –  thanks for pointing it out. Jokic is well in the MVP debate.

[Bmore_DCParticipant]

 I think the Pistons could buck the trend, if by bucking the trend you mean be a contender and make the playoffs. There really arent many good defenders nowadays. You have a few (covington, george, oladipo, etc) . I just think the rules are so skewed, its almost impossible TO play defense. I miss the days where at least some of the MVP candidates played defense. Thats why greek freak is my hands down MVP, he plays some defense. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I would think that a contender now nees 3 flat-out superstar scorers in the starting five rounded out with 2 all-around defensive utility guys.  Yet another scorer in the 6th man role then a second team led by a bunch of cheap, scrappy, defensive-minded dudes.  At the very end of the bench you go get a third string point guard and an emergency 7 footer.

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