The 2023-24 regular season has reached its climax, with less than 20 games remaining. This season has given birth to some really intriguing narratives, but none are as captivating as the battle for the 2024 MVP award. What felt like an almost guaranteed victory for Joel Embiid before his knee injury has transitioned into a four-way battle between the likes of Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But, Stephen A. Smith seems to have a pick of his own.

Renowned ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has backed Celtics’ star, Jayson Tatum, for the annual accolade. But, Tatum’s most recent performance may have jeopardized his chances of winning the MVP award. The Celtics faced the Nuggets yesterday in what could potentially be a prequel to the 2024 NBA Finals. However, the game didn’t go according to the script for Tatum and the Celtics, as they lost the game by a scoreline of 115-110. Tatum struggled to impose himself on the game, finishing with 15 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds in 39 minutes of play.

After the game, Stephen A. Smith expressed his disappointment on ESPN’s First Take. He said, “The one person that has been shining a light on Jayson Tatum being the league MVP is me. In light of his performance last night, I have to say, I’m a bit heartbroken.” However, NBA insider and ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst disclosed that Stephen A. Smith still has the power to shift the MVP odds. He said, “I’m telling you, your (Stephen A. Smith) voice does matter a lot because I’ve seen the MVP odds change in his direction after you sort of start to make your case. But You’re gonna have to take the Michael Malone Advice and take the L, Bcz JT’s MVP case is over because it’s not happening.”

Following his recent string of subpar performances, does Tatum still legitimately have a chance to win the 2024 NBA MVP award?

Favorites for the 2024 NBA MVP award

The competition for the 2024 MVP award is tighter than it has been in recent memory, with numerous superstar players having a genuine shot at clinching this year’s highest individual accolade. However, 2x NBA MVP winner Nikola Jokić leads the race going into the final stretch of regular season games. He has averaged 26.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists in 61 games this season. Bookmakers in Vegas have declared Jokic as the favorite for the MVP award, with -155 odds.

Dark Horse Emerges Biggest Threat to Celtics’ Title Chances, Igniting Debate Among ESPN Analysts

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+225) and Luka Doncic (+700) are the only other stars within touching distance of Jokic. In any other season, both Shai and Luka would be clear favorites for the MVP award, but Jokic’s performance has elevated him to a completely different level. Both Giannis (+1400) and Tatum (+2000) have an outside shot of winning the MVP award. What are your thoughts? Who will win the MVP award this season? Let us know in the comments below!