NBA MVP Ladder Week 24: A new name enters the fray

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on March 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the 76ers 114-104, NBA MVP Ladder Week 24: A new name enters the fray. 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) /

Week 24 NBA MVP Ladder: 5. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Rank last week: N/A

Pts/Rebs/Asts/Stls/Blks: 26.5/5.0/4.9/1.2/0.4

FG%/3P%/FT%: 46.5/37.8/86.7

Off EPM / Def EPM: +4.0/+0.2

It’s time for a mea culpa. I, and many others, have discounted Devin Booker’s chances of making the ballot for too long. Whereas other fringe candidates, like Tatum and DeRozan, have had wildly successful spurts that put some narrative horsepower behind their candidacies, Booker has just quietly been the best player on a league-demolishing Phoenix team.

Even the absence of Chris Paul for several weeks couldn’t slow down the Suns’ roll; Booker led the team to an 11-4 record in his absence.

Everywhere Paul goes, the team immediately gets better. He creates a looming shadow, and between his celebrated on-court play and his omnipresent commercials, he has a much larger public persona than Booker. That has worked against Devin in the MVP popularity contest.

But no longer! Booker dropped 35, 49, and 28 points against three good teams in the 76ers, Nuggets, and Timberwolves last week. He is peaking at the right time.

Bob Adlhoch and StatsbyStats noted that “[s]ince 1976-77, there have been 14 instances of a player averaging 25+ PPG on a team with a win % of .800 or better. 10 of those won the MVP.”

Booker averages 26.5 points (and even more without Paul) for a team with a .813 winning percentage. Maybe it’s time for him to get some love.