Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker listed a Top 10 favourite for 2022-23 NBA MVP
If the Phoenix Suns are to maintain their standing as an elite team in the Western Conference, then much of it will fall on their superstar Devin Booker.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a career-season in 2021-22, averaging highs in points, rebounds, steals and blocks, while his three-point shooting was better than ever at 38.3%.
Booker also took strides in the absence of Chris Paul towards the end of the regular season, taking on greater ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities. That period pushed his MVP case, with the three-time All-Star finishing fourth behind finalists Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and eventual winner Nikola Jokic.
Phoenix Suns’ superstar Devin Booker has been identified by bookmakers as a lead candidate to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award in 2022-23.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Booker is currently tenth favourite for MVP at odds of +2500. That may represent good value for the seven-year guard, particularly given his fourth-placed finish last season and his still ascending stature in the league.
Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic heads favouritism at +400, with Embiid, Antetokounmpo, Jokic, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant, Stephen Curry and LeBron James all sitting above Booker.
No one above the age of 30 has won the award since Phoenix’s own Steve Nash in 2005-06. That could theoretically eliminate Durant, Curry and James, all of whom will start next season at 34 or older.
Booker joins Doncic, Embiid, Tatum and Morant as players looking to win the award for the first time. The Suns’ supreme scorer was recently ranked the best shooting-guarding in the league, perhaps giving credence to his contention should that maintain.
Next. Odds suggest Phoenix Suns’ Mikal Bridges is well placed to make history. dark
He’ll also aim to become just the third Suns player to win NBA MVP, with Nash a two-time winner and Charles Barkley having won the award in the 1992-93 season.