Who Should Be in the MVP Conversation?
With players putting up consistently big numbers in a year where the standard has been exceptionally high, the field for MVP candidates has become wide open as thoughts start turning to the post-season.
Even struggling teams like the Island Storm have a true contender to their name in the form of Sampson Carter. One of the league's leading scorers who has reached double digits in all but two games this season, night after night he keeps making his case for the league's highest individual honour.
The Cape Breton Highlanders are having a season like no other, reaching their highest league position in their history, and playing a big part in that is Bruce Massey. Currently averaging 23.8 points per outing as well as leading the league in assists and minutes played, he has been one of the most outstanding offensive players this season. His team mate, Jamal Reynolds, meanwhile high in the running for sixth man of the year.
It's not just about offence, though. This year the Windsor Express have seen great work on both ends of the floor from Juan Pattillo, currently in the league's top five in both scoring and rebounding. He has been a big factor in their turnaround season which has seen them languishing behind to becoming one of the most formidable and feared teams in all the league.
Fellow Central Division team the Sudbury Five have had an eventful inaugural season, seeing both the highs and the lows throughout. Playing a large part in their success has been Braylon Rayson, the NBLC's leader in scoring average, while they have seen equally great work on the front court from Jaylen Bland.
Both division-leading teams can also field MVP hopefuls; the Moncton Magic have seen amazing work from both Corey Allmond (19.5 points, 3.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game) and Billy White (17.3 points, 8.4 rebounds), while this season Desmond Lee has flourished into the St. John's Edge's leading scorer, and one of the top three-point shooters in all the NBL Canada.
Given recent performances, Lee's team mate Glen Davis could be making a late push for an MVP nod - which just goes to show that there's still time for someone to make their name this season. Whatever happens in the remaining time, the league commissioners will have a tough decision to make when the curtain closes on the 2018-19 season.
Are all of these player legitimate MVP candidates? Who else should be in the conversation? Join the debate in the comments below.
Picture: Mike Vlasveld (Editor's note: It's not the MVP trophy, yes, we know. It's just for illustrative purposes.)
