The 2023 MVP race has been the most competitive MVP race in recent memory. Joel Embiid is up against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, both of whom have won the award twice in the last four years. Whereas Embiid is among the favorites for this year’s MVP. However, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant thinks that there is one more player who deserves the MVP award just as much.

During his recent appearance on the Boardroom podcast, Durant listed his favorites for the year while listing an unexpected name.

Kevin Durant lists his top 4 picks for this year’s MVP

The 2014 NBA MVP talked about the concluding season and the noise around the MVP contenders. He pointed out that this conversation has been going on since January this year. Durant said that between Antetokounmpo, Embiid, and Jokic anyone can win the title. “I feel like three guys can win the MVP and it’ll be fine. Nobody’s wrong.”

He then added another star player to the list saying “Four guys I think.” Durant included Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics to his list of MVP contenders. He said that if you pick any of these four players, you will not be making a wrong decision.

The 2x NBA champion said that we don’t really know what the criteria is to pick the MVP. Regardless, any of these players would be the right choice. Durant then highlighted the other aspects that are in play while placing the final decision for the NBA MVP.

He said “You gotta have the right narrative. People gotta understand your story.” The 2014 MVP added that you also need to “sell yourself a little bit” to become the recipient of that honor.

The Kia MVP ladder monitors players’ seasons and performances for the top prize. Currently, all four of Durant’s picks are holding the top 4 positions on that list.

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Where do the four contenders stand on the current MVP ranking

Jokic of the Denver Nuggets recently dethroned Embiid to become the #1 contender for this year’s MVP. Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers now holds the 2nd position on the list with 33.1 ppg, 10.2 rpg. The Milwaukee Bucks star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is in the 3rd position with 31.1 ppg, 11.8 rpg. The 28-year-old has been in the MVP conversation from the beginning of this season. Durant’s surprise pick, Tatum of the Celtics, has taken 4th place on the list with 30.1 ppg, 8.8 rpg.

Do you agree with Kevin Durant’s MVP picks? Tell us in the comments below.

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