Giddey’s verdict on tightest NBL MVP race in history

The NBA has tipped off, while the NBL is in full swing heading into the mid-season break after eight rounds.

While for me this means the return of long road trips and late night NBL viewing, I wouldn’t ask for anything else. We have had an exciting start to the season in Oklahoma City, but we know it’s a long campaign and we still have lots of work ahead of us.

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Back home, the NBL MVP race is wide open and I’ve been asked plenty of times: who are the best players this season? As I’ve been swinging changes to my SuperCoach team, I noticed the blend of veterans, imports, and young stars stamping their authority on the League.

Here is my top 10 so far this season:

1. Chris Goulding (Melbourne United)

Whenever we played Melbourne United, CG43 was always the top of the scouting report. Regardless of how talented United’s rosters have been, he is still the barometer.

Goulding is showing everyone this League is still his. To me, he is the MVP favourite and his recent scoring streak – 33, 19, 27 and 35 points – has showcased he is still the most dangerous player on the court at age 35.

2. Alan Williams (South East Melbourne Phoenix)

Williams declared he would be the MVP before the season even started but an injury meant we had to wait and see if he could back up his bold claim.

Upon his return from a knee injury, he made it clear he wasn’t kidding around. The Phoenix big is an imposing force and to think he is playing just 24.5 minutes per game is a scary proposition for the rest of the League, as his production will only increase with more court time.

3. Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand Breakers)

The first time I watched Jackson-Cartwight play, I couldn’t believe his lightning speed. He can get up and down the floor in a flash, and his elusiveness helps him overcome his size deficiencies when driving to the basket.

Despite New Zealand’s slow start, PJC is the NBL’s leading scorer and turned some heads during the NBLxNBA pre-season games.

4. Milton Doyle (Tasmania JackJumpers)

Smooth and classy – those are the two words that come to mind when I think of Doyle’s offensive play style.

The JackJumpers’ star always seems to play at his own pace and is never in a rush. I’ve been intrigued to watch Tasmania become an offensive juggernaut with Doyle leading the charge.

5. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (Melbourne United)

JLA has publicly said he came back to the NBL to try and make the NBA, and he is doing everything he can to ensure scouts have him on their list.

Melbourne’s imposing big man is averaging 17.4 points and 7.6 rebounds and can singly handily take over games with his intimidating and forceful style of play.

6. Jaylen Adams (Sydney Kings)

The 2022 MVP hasn’t missed a beat since returning to the Kings. He is such a tough cover for opposing players due to the deep arsenal of tricks he has on the offensive end.

I’m tipping Sydney to be playing at the business end of the season and Adams is a big reason why.

7. Anthony Lamb (New Zealand Breakers)

Having played against Anthony Lamb as recently as last NBA season, it hasn’t surprised me to see him make an instant impact as an injury replacement for the Breakers.

He is a three-level scorer – meaning he can get buckets while driving to the rim, in the mid-range, and from beyond the three-point arc – and is a major weapon for Mody Maor.

8. Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats)

The three-time MVP had a slow start, but after watching his most recent games one thing is for sure – Cotton is back.

He has averaged 28 points in the last five games, but more importantly, his swagger well and truly returned. Expect him to lead the Wildcats back up the ladder as the season goes on.

9. Jordon Crawford (Tasmania JackJumpers)

Like PJC, Crawford is another import guard who can dice and slice through defenders despite standing at just 5’6. What strikes me the most is his composure when playing amongst the trees around the basket.

He has also showcased his clutch ability and will be key to the JackJumpers’ fortunes down the stretch.

10. Luke Travers (Melbourne United)

The move to Melbourne has paid dividends for Travers; someone I think will play a massive role in the future of Australian basketball.

He is an influential player on both ends of the floor for the League’s best team, while still finding ways to become more comfortable in Dean Vickerman’s system – meaning his productivity will only increase. Travers is still learning and it’s scary to consider just how skilled he already is and will be.

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