As I sit here analyzing the 2021 NBA MVP race, I can't help but draw parallels to basketball legends from different eras. While today's game features incredible offensive talents, I'm reminded of players like Ramon "King" Fernandez from the Philippine Basketball Association, who dominated from 1977 to 1994. Many felt King should have been recognized among the 40 greatest players back in 2015, and honestly, I agree with that sentiment. His 13 championships across three different franchises - Toyota, Great Taste, and Purefoods - demonstrate a level of consistent excellence that today's MVP candidates should aspire to. What really stands out to me is how King balanced his offensive prowess with being one of the top defenders of his era, something we don't always see in modern MVP conversations.
Looking at the current landscape, I've been particularly impressed with Nikola Jokic's season. The Denver Nuggets center has been putting up numbers we haven't seen since the days of Wilt Chamberlain - averaging around 26 points, nearly 11 rebounds, and about 8.5 assists per game while maintaining remarkable efficiency. His player efficiency rating of somewhere around 31.5 would rank among the highest in NBA history if he maintains it. What separates Jokic in my view is how he elevates his teammates despite Denver's injury woes. When I watch him play, I see echoes of that complete game that made King Fernandez so special - the ability to impact every facet of the game rather than just scoring.
Then there's Joel Embiid, who's been absolutely dominant for the Philadelphia 76ers. His numbers are staggering - I'd estimate he's averaging about 29 points and 11 rebounds while playing elite defense. The way he's carried the Sixers despite the Ben Simmons situation reminds me of how King Fernandez led multiple franchises to championships. Embiid's case is particularly strong because he's maintained this production while missing only about 10 games this season, which for him is relatively healthy. From my perspective, his two-way impact gives him a legitimate claim to the award, especially considering how he's improved his decision-making and leadership this season.
Stephen Curry deserves serious consideration too, though I have some reservations about his case. His scoring explosion in April where he averaged over 37 points per game was one of the most incredible stretches I've witnessed in my years covering basketball. The Warriors would be completely lost without him - they're probably a 20-win team rather than fighting for playoff position. However, Golden State's middling record and Curry's occasional shooting slumps make me question whether he can truly win the award. Still, when he gets hot, there's nobody more entertaining or transformative in today's game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo can't be counted out either, even though voter fatigue might work against him. The Milwaukee Bucks star is putting up another phenomenal season with approximately 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. What stands out to me is his continued defensive excellence combined with improved playmaking. Having won the award twice already, voters might be looking for fresh faces, but Giannis has my respect for maintaining his hunger and drive. His consistency reminds me of King Fernandez's championship runs - that ability to bring it night after night, season after season.
As we approach the season's final stretch, I'm leaning toward Jokic as my personal favorite. The narrative around him carrying Denver despite Jamal Murray's injury, combined with his historic statistical profile, creates a compelling case. From my analysis, his on/off court numbers are perhaps the most impressive I've seen this season - the Nuggets' offense collapses without him, with their rating dropping by about 12 points per 100 possessions when he sits. That kind of impact reminds me why MVP stands for "Most Valuable Player" rather than just "Best Player on Best Team."
The defensive side of the ball often gets overlooked in MVP discussions, which is why I appreciate Embiid's case so much. He's anchoring one of the league's best defenses while carrying an enormous offensive load. Thinking back to King Fernandez being recognized as a top defender during his championship runs, I believe we should value two-way players more heavily in these conversations. Embiid's block and steal numbers don't fully capture his defensive impact - he alters countless shots and deters drivers simply with his presence.
Ultimately, this might be one of the closest MVP races we've seen in years. Each candidate brings something unique to the table, and reasonable cases can be made for multiple players. Personally, I'd rank them Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis in that order, with Curry as a wild card who could surge if he finishes the season on another hot streak. What's fascinating to me is how each candidate represents different basketball philosophies - Jokic the revolutionary center, Embiid the traditional dominant big, Giannis the physical freak, and Curry the transformative shooter. This diversity of excellence makes the 2021 MVP conversation particularly rich and meaningful, much like how King Fernandez's era featured distinct styles of greatness that collectively elevated the game.
