Chris Bosh
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Former Miami Heat legend Chris Bosh had his No. 1 jersey retired in March 2019.
NBA legend Chris Bosh has become a more public part of the NBA landscape again after joining NBC’s coverage of basketball games. A recent appearance on NBC Showtime saw Bosh and other analysts discussing the current state of the MVP race. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is still considered a strong favorite, especially due to Nikola Jokic getting injured as the other main contender.
Bosh had another perspective and named Jaylen Brown as his MVP front runner right now:
“Can we give Jaylen Brown some credit? He should be the MVP. I think he’s the front runner in my opinion. He’s playing amazing basketball. Nobody slotted Boston to be 2nd and Jaylen to be playing the way he is.”
MVP discussions often focus on how each person defines what the MVP means to them. Some voters go for the best player on the best team, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s argument is strong there due to Oklahoma City dominating the rest of the league.
Others think the best overall player, like Jokic before his injury, deserves the award for flat out being the top performer in the league. Brown’s debate comes from those who believe he’s the most valuable by definition to his team. Other teams can win with their stars out, but Brown is necessary for his team’s success.
Does Chris Bosh Have A Point?
The best point made by Bosh is that no one expected the Boston Celtics to have such a great season. Contending went out of the window when Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles during the NBA Playoffs last season and appeared to be out for this entire season.
Boston also traded away starters Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday after the injury to add more flexibility to their future by losing salary. However, Brown’s incredible play has led the Celtics to success as a top two seed with the limiting roster.
Current betting odds see Boston as the top betting favorite to make the NBA Finals for the Eastern Conference. Brown is completely leading the team to success in a way that prior legends like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and Tracy McGrady had to do in the past era of one-team superstars.
Did Chris Bosh Snub Gilgeous-Alexander?
Some fans have questioned Bosh saying Brown deserves to be the favorite since Gilgeous-Alexander is the actual favorite. Bosh went out of his way to praise Brown, but he didn’t say anything negative about Shai to boost his argument at a time when media members often trash players.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been praised by Bosh in other segments when the NBC crew discusses the Thunder’s success. Bosh played at a time when players were asked to shoulder more responsibility. LeBron James and Bosh joined the Miami Heat after their stints leading franchises became too difficult.
Bosh and other old school players will favor a player like Brown doing more with less for over the best player on the best team. Gilgeous-Alexander is respected by Bosh, but the MVP debate just sees Bosh believing in Brown as the top candidate.