James Harden was the last American-born player to win the NBA’s MVP award in 2018. Overseas superstars have unsurprisingly overpowered domestic players ever since. While this season the chants and odds are once again in favor of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokic, depending on the Joker’s durability, seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady doesn’t consider either of them more deserving than Jaylen Brown.

That’s taking into account the Celtics star’s impact this season. The team lost three starters, including Jayson Tatum, and there’s no definitive second option on the roster. Yet, Brown elevated himself to astronomic heights as a lethal two-way star, leading the Celtics to the second seed.

“You look at Shai, you look at Jokic, these guys have their core group,” McGrady said on Post Moves. “You look at Jaylen Brown, Horford is gone, JT is out, Jrue Holiday is gone, Porzingis is gone. You know how hard it is to implement new players, get them acclimated with your system. They are second in the Eastern Conference, and he’s averaging 29 points…  What he had to do for his team and what he’s doing to get them in second place. I don’t know how you deny that.”

It really is hard to look past what Brown has achieved. After 54 games, the Celtics are just three wins short of their record from last season. He’s already set career-highs in points and assists this season, and is the focal point for the team’s success. And speaking of durability, Brown has missed only five games this season.

With Tatum out and the roster shuffling, the Celtics’ perceived downfall was cited as the main reason the East was weak this season. But Brown’s resilience has now opened up the possibility of his injured scoring partner considering returning by the playoffs.

Now, whether that happens or not, Brown has done his part and deserves recognition for it. He has consistently scored the most (leading the team’s scoring chart) and actively guarded the opponents’ best player, and that’s the value teams strive to have in their star player.

What does the MVP ladder say about Jaylen Brown?

Tracy McGrady credited Jaylen Brown for his accomplishments and growth. However, according to the latest rankings, Brown isn’t even in the top five. The list goes as follows: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama. Here’s the thing. Each of them has a fair case, too.

Gilgeous-Alexander is the cornerstone of the best team in the NBA right now, while the Slovenian is leading the league in scoring and having the best season of his career. The Joker has put up triple-doubles for fun. Cunningham and Wembanyama are the pillars behind the resurgence of their franchises.

A common factor for all of them? Most of their cores have stayed healthy.

With Brown, the Celtics started the season expecting absences. Although his situation arguably places greater value on his performances, the NBA doesn’t factor in the supporting cast. Brown sits just outside the top five, which gives him enough time to climb up the rankings.

Winning the award in such a talent pool and competitive environment is hard in itself. If the Celtics can go on a tear after the All-Star break, Brown’s rankings might climb exponentially. However, as uneasy as the realization is, even his best season might not be enough for a US-born player to win MVP after seven long years. That is, unless the 65-game rule applies, as some of these candidates are at risk of failing to meet the criteria.