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Miami Heat: Breaking down Jimmy Butler’s MVP chances

By Noah Decker

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 09, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 09, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

What other players could steal the MVP award from Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat?

The last three players on the list are Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic. All three are rising superstars who have a great shot at the award next year. However, one issue that might jeopardize their chances of winning MVP is team success.

Usually, the MVP comes from a team that is a top-three seed in either conference. In the past 20 seasons, the only player to win the award whose team was not top three in their conference was Russell Westbrook, who averaged a 32 point triple-double that season.

The 76ers are currently going through a frustrating trade process with their other star, Ben Simmons. While he remains on the team, team chemistry could be an issue that makes it more difficult to win games.

When he is traded, the 76ers will almost certainly not receive equal compensation in return. It is unlikely the 76ers will be as good as they were last year. However, they will probably still be a top seed in the East, and Embiid could surprise people with a spectacular season.

The Nuggets and the Mavericks are in the tougher Western Conference. Both teams are good enough to make the playoffs, but it will be hard to be one of the top seeds in the West.

There are several powerhouse teams competing for the top spots, such as the Lakers, the Jazz, and the Suns. The Warriors should also be competitive this year.

The Mavericks haven’t been in the top of the West with any version of their recent rosters, and the adjustments they made this offseason aren’t enough to change that.

The Nuggets are usually in the mix, but without Jamaal Murray, it might be harder to maintain that spot. However, the Nuggets closed the season out with a 13-5 record without Murray last year, so anything is possible.

Even if they do, the narrative comes into question. Considering the fact that the reigning MVP was not even ranked in the top seven, it shows that Nikola Jokic is slightly disrespected across the association, and therefore they might be less willing to support his MVP narrative.

There are still many more players that could win the MVP award. While each of these players has a case to win MVP, there is also a pretty strong case against them. Therefore, it’s anyone’s award to win this year.

Some new names may be brought into the conversation, and one of them could be the Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler.

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