The Sacramento Kings are having a decent season. They sit in 7th place and have the chance to break into the playoffs. De’Aaron Fox is working hard this season to lead his team. Also, Malik Monk is up for the 6th man award, and the young Keegan Murray has been shining. However, Domantas Sabonis might be their key player for making the playoffs. According to his coach, Mike Brown, Sabonis should be in the MVP discussion. The top three in that race are Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. So, does Domantas Sabonis belong somewhere in that top three or at least in the discussion for the league’s MVP?
Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis Reaching New Levels
Domantas Sabonis is the first player since the 1976-1977 season to record 54 straight double-doubles, passing Kevin Love’s record of 53. If he continues this streak, he could end the season with 65 double-doubles. He is also averaging 19.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. In the league, he is ranked 1st in rebounds and 6th for assists. Sabonis could easily be labeled one of the best Power Forwards in the NBA right now. He is one of the main reasons the Kings made the playoffs last year for the first time since 2006. They also have a great chance of making it this season too. Sabonis has been a true game-changer for them. Yet, he is still overlooked when discussing the best current players.
How Sabonis Compares to the Top Five
As mentioned, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are leading the MVP race. In 4th and 5th place are Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. There is an argument to make that Sabonis could take 5th over Tatum. The Celtics star has had a great season, averaging 27.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. However, many of his flaws have shown up at the end of tight games. Should Tatum be considered one of the best in the league? Yes, but now Sabonis could slip in front of him on the MVP ladder.
What Could Push Domantas Sabonis Into the Race?
If the Sacramento Kings make an end-of-the-season push into the top 6, Sabonis could be more noticed. However, he won’t be the one lifting the trophy. Making it into the top 5 this season could boost his chances of getting it next season, though. He also needs to raise his points per game up a bit, as all of the top 5 are averaging 27+ in that category. It does help that he is leading in rebounds and in the top 10 for assists. Whether he creeps up the MVP ladder or not, Sabonis’s fantastic season deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated.
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Elizabeth is an avid watcher of all things sports. However, the Boston sports teams will always be her number one. Follow her on Twitter @edellapiana1 .
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