Why doesn’t Devin Booker have an MVP case this season?

Devin Booker, MVP — PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 20: Devin Booker #1 and Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 20, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 110-98, Why doesn’t Devin Booker have an MVP case this season?. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

I saw this tweet about Devin Booker this week, and it got me thinking…

I'm not saying it'll happen but if the Suns literally win out (finish 68-14) and Book keeps doing this 28/8 thing on insane efficiency...*then* is he the MVP? What would it take because I'm not sure the guidelines are clear anymore.
— Sam Cooper (@scooperhoops) March 20, 2022

The clear answer is no, Devin Booker is not the MVP this year. Right now, Booker is averaging 25.9 points and 4.9 assists, so the slight bump that a 28/8 average would get him isn’t enough to put him into the conversation. MVP is an individual award, and individual statistics remain the deciding factor, especially in recent years.

But still, the Phoenix Suns are by far the best team in the league, with Booker as their key piece. To many people, that’s what makes an MVP. So the question remains:

Why doesn’t Devin Booker have an MVP Case?

Everyone has their own personal definition of MVP. And personally, I don’t think Booker has a case this season. There are both fair and unfair reasons for that, though.

One argument I’ve seen spouted by Suns fans is that the franchise is the reason he’s not being considered. ‘Were he putting up 26 and 5 and leading, say, the Lakers to the best record in the NBA, he’d be an easy MVP winner,’ is a common sentiment I’ve seen. But I’m not buying that argument, personally.

The last five MVPs came from Denver, Milwaukee, Houston, Oklahoma City, and Golden State – not exactly historic basketball powerhouses (though Golden State has certainly become one in recent NBA history). In fact, since 2000, the Suns have had an MVP more times than the Lakers, Knicks, Bulls, 76ers, and Celtics- the classic big market teams.

Taking a league-wide look, no NBA team has more than two MVPs since 2000, meaning the Suns are tied for first. Clearly, a deserving Phoenix Sun would take home the award with no issue.

But though I disagree with that argument, I do agree with Suns fans that Booker doesn’t get the credit he is due for the Suns’ success. Still, I think there are plenty of fair reasons he’s not being considered as an MVP candidate.