The best player on the best team. This is usually the merit for which the NBA Most Valuable Player Award is awarded, but this hasn’t been the case this season. Despite Devin Booker being the star player of the undisputed best team in the NBA this season, the Phoenix Suns, he has not been mentioned by the mainstream media as one of the favorites for the award.

The three favorites to win the award have been Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic. Even though they’ve all had amazing seasons on their parts, I find it hard to believe how Devin Booker isn’t part of the race to win the MVP. Averaging about 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, Booker has finally solidified himself as a superstar in this league. Even though this is the case, the media and NBA fans, in general, aren’t giving him enough credit and attention for leading the Suns, even without their floor general, Chris Paul for two months. It’s very clear that Booker has been disrespected, with the likes of Doncic and Tatum getting a shout for the award, instead of him. While Doncic and Tatum are both phenomenal players, Booker has been well clear in terms of contributing to winning basketball from the beginning, all the way to the end of the season

The only three that should be involved in the race with Booker are Giannis, Jokic, and Embiid. Although the three previously mentioned favorites are averaging better numbers, Booker’s numbers are again contributing to the most wins by far. That’s why he is so valuable, and that’s why he should be one of the favorites, if not the favorite, to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award for the 21/22 NBA season.