Midseason Under-the-Radar MVP For Each Team in the Northwest
Which role-player or energy guy takes the honor of most underrated so far this season? We’ve got you covered across the Northwest Division.
Teams that win are often remembered because of the amazing performances put forth by the all-time greats that lead their teams in their efforts to capture the championship. It’s the elite role players, though, that really help push a team over the hump and into the promised land. The best recent example is Bruce Brown’s play in the 2023 postseason. It’s easy to argue that the Denver Nuggets don’t secure the Larry O’Brien Trophy as easily as they did. Without further ado, meet the non-mainstream MVPs for each team in the Northwest Division!
Image from Deseret News
Utah Jazz- Kelly Olynyk
Olynyk has been in the NBA for 11 years and has been quietly productive in almost all of them, from being a staple rotation player for the Boston Celtics all the way to bringing his silky-smooth shooting to this year’s Utah Jazz team. While this may not be his best statistical season, it isn’t hard to see that this is his most impactful, thanks mostly to his playmaking improvements that has helped to keep Utah’s bench lineups afloat in the minutes where Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson rest. The Gonzaga product has been dishing out a career-high 4.3 assists per game this year, taking the pressure off of rookie guard Keyonte George, helping to unlock his scoring. He might be moved before next week’s trade deadline, but Olynyk’s impact cannot be denied.
Image from Liberty Ballers
Portland Trail Blazers- Malcolm Brogdon
It’s tough to pick out a ho-hum MVP on a team this far under the .500 mark, but if Scoot Henderson continues to develop into the star that people are expecting him to become, a lot of thanks should go to the veteran point guard who helped him through his rookie year. On the court, Brogdon has done what he has always done, contributed good scoring and shooting for a complimentary point guard while posting one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the league and throwing in good perimeter defense as a bonus. It’s his leadership off the court that could have the biggest impact, as the young Blazers have looked to him and Jerami Grant for leadership this year. Brogdon has been a calming presence and is a top candidate to be traded and help a contender for good reason.
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Minnesota Timberwolves- Jaden McDaniels
When people talk about the Timberwolves’ top-ranked defense, a lot of credit is given to Ruby Gobert and his work in the paint, and rightfully so. Their defense is predicated around funneling drivers into the paint where he waits eagerly to send shots back, and fourth year wing Jaden McDaniels has been far and away the best at doing so. His length, strength and vertical speed allows him to stay in front of quicker guards and absorb contact from the brutish wings that populate the Western Conference. He is a candidate to make his first All-Defensive team appearance this year and if Minnesota is going to make a deep playoff run, he will be as important to them as any player outside of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
Image from Bleacher Report
Denver Nuggets- Reggie Jackson
A lot has been made of the difference Bruce Brown had on this team, especially now that he isn’t there anymore. Despite their record, the Nuggets have struggled to find consistent bench play behind their stellar starting five. Jackson, one of the most consistent backup point guards in the game, has been one of the only bright spots for their backups this year. He hovers around 11 points a game, but his value is hidden in his playmaking (4 assists a game) and perimeter defense. Christian Braun hasn’t become what Denver wants him to be just yet, so they will continue to rely on Jackson to bridge the gap. Even if they need to maintain their current minutes distribution, Jackson has extensive playoff experience and is no stranger to the bright lights of the postseason.
Image from Blazer’s Edge
Oklahoma City Thunder- Kenrich Williams
The OKC faithful look back on the top teams from 2010-2012 and speak about role player and franchise legend Nick Collison with the same prestige as Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. In this newest edition of the young and feisty Thunder, veteran Kenrich Williams has filled that role with fervor, anchoring bench lineups and being a Swiss-Army knife that coach Mark Daigneault can use in countless scenarios throughout a game. His quiet leadership has helped steer the Thunder in the right direction, and top scorers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have credited him with helping them understand how to best take advantage of their opportunities and has put them in the best position to continue the team’s success. Young teams are exciting to watch because of the theatrics and excitement they generate for the future, but teams with the right mix of young talent and veteran presence can bring tangible success far sooner than expected. It’s a shame this award can’t go to Sam Presti, but he’s got his eye on a bigger prize; a top playoff spot and multiple series wins in this year’s postseason.
