First off, let me say I've been a big fan of Cade Cunningham since he played at OK State. I love his game, his fearlessness and his leadership. I never bought into hating on him because he was drafted ahead of Jalen. That said, he wasn't exactly chopped liver last year and shouldn't even be in the top 5 for MIP this year. The Pistons TEAM is the most improved because JB Bickerstaff is a legit coach and he replaced Monty Williams, a stubborn, stick-in-the-mud that players hate, who actually wanted to leave the NBA before he was bribed with an insane contract. Cade's production is only marginally better and he's pretty much the same player. However, for obvious reasons, his huge improvement that actually happened last year went unnoticed. Huge blunder if he wins MIP this year.
I think next year is Amen's best shot to win MIP. He spent too much time coming off the bench this season and too little time with the ball in his hands. He gets more on-ball reps and averages 36+ mpg and lands in the vicinity of 20, 10, and 8, which I think he can definitely do if he stays healthy (knock on wood), and I think it's his for the taking. He pulls that off and he should also be an all-star and possibly All-NBA too.
Cade is at 25/10/6/1/1 at 23 years old and the Pistons have had a massive improvement.... I would think that he has to be the favorite.
They really have to standardize the criteria for this award. In my eyes, Daniels and Braun are the most deserving on that list. It shouldn't just be young players becoming what everyone thought they could be in the draft.
The spirit of the MIP award should just disqualify 99% of players on rookie contracts. Instead they've made it into a "which draft pick took the biggest stat leap" award.
Cade Cunningham is the 1st Pick in the Draft. He has always put up Stats. Hawks - Jalen Johnson should've been MIP this Year. He came out of Nowhere, unfortunately he got injured. Tyler Herro, Jalen Williams, Amen Thompson, DeAndre Hunter.
Unless you're accounting for a huge drop-off in Amen's efficiency and defense 20-10-8 on Amen's TS% and defensive prowess would be closer to MVP discussion than - say - third team All-NBA. First team would be a lock. Remember he's going to be miles better defensively than every other perimeter candidate (ex-Shai). Hence, when I think about 20-10-8 it doesn't seem unrealistic in a vacuum but then taking in to account the total package we'd be saying Amen is a top 5 MVP and 1st team All-NBA guy next year. It's when we put it all together that I start to think we're too optimistic. But it won't stop me from hoping for it!
If it were 15 years ago, I'd agree, but let's not forget that today's MVP candidates are generally averaging over (or very close to) 30 points per game and threatening triple doubles every game. As fantastic as 20, 10, 8 would be, I don't think it even comes close to Jokic averaging damn near a 30 point triple-double with historic efficiency, or Giannis averaging 31, 12, and 6 as what's still a high-end defensive player. But yes for me that is at least a top 10 player. I've been on record lately as thinking Amen will be just that, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if it happened as soon as next season
I hear you on the stats of today vs yesteryear argument. I think it boils down to I would take Dream's 3 best years over 2025 Jokic. I value defense as much - if not more - than offense. Jokic's game is transcendental offensively and matadorish defensively. There is no equivalency w/ true 2-way monsters. That's what I mean by Amen in the top 5 MVP discussion. If you have a legit DPOY candidate w/ a killer stat line on 60% TS that's just something voters haven't seen single LeBron was a first team all-defense guy.
I think you're right that defense is undervalued, but unfortunately MVP voters tend to weigh it much lower than offense, perhaps because there's also a DPOY award, perhaps because it's just not as "visible". But let's also not forget that SGA and Giannis are both plus defenders.
I remember when this award used to go to dudes that were undrafted and became All Stars. Now it goes to disappointments that finally are living up to their draft slot.
Amen shouldn't be most improved, but he should make all defense first team. He would easily if Ime had started him from the get to like he should have. He may be the best defender in the league. Only big man bias is stopping him. He is no. 1 at virtually every level of defense including at the rim.
Not surprised! Cade Cunningham is ballin. He has looked unguardable which is what you see in superstars. I hate Detroit, lol.
