TITLE: Wembanyama Gains Ground in MVP Race; Missi, Marshall and Christie Stand Out in Southwest Division
SLUG: wembanyama-mvp-missi-marshall-christie-notes
CONTENT:
San Antonio rookie center Victor Wembanyama is tightening the Most Valuable Player race, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Although Amick would currently cast his ballot for Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he noted that Wembanyama’s impact metrics are closing the gap and could siphon first- or second-place votes from Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver center Nikola Jokić.
Amick cited the Spurs’ plus-16.0 net rating when Wembanyama is on the floor, compared with an even 0.0 mark when he sits. That 16-point swing exceeds the 10-point differential the Thunder experience with and without Gilgeous-Alexander. While SGA remains one of the league’s premier scorers, Wembanyama—widely considered the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year—has delivered greater two-way impact, particularly on defense.
The standings could further fuel Wembanyama’s candidacy. San Antonio trails Oklahoma City by just 3.5 games for the top seed in the Western Conference, and the rookie has publicly targeted a 60-win season. The defending champion Thunder may not press as hard for late-season positioning, Amick added.
Missi Impresses in New Orleans
Pelicans center Yves Missi, viewed as a possible trade chip before February’s deadline, remained in New Orleans and has rewarded the club. Head coach James Borrego praised the second-year big man after he compiled 10 rebounds, five blocks and five assists in Monday’s win over Dallas. “We’re using him a number of ways defensively,” Borrego said. “Then he gets out and runs. He’s all over the offensive glass. He’s made tremendous strides.”
Marshall Shines After Trade Rumors
Forward Naji Marshall, another player mentioned in pre-deadline speculation, is demonstrating why Dallas balked at moving him, wrote Nate Sanchez of The Dallas Morning News. Marshall posted a season-best 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists without a turnover Monday in New Orleans. Teammate Cooper Flagg applauded the performance, calling Marshall “a true professional” who delivers nightly consistency.
Christie Eyes Strong Finish
Fourth-year wing Max Christie joins Flagg and Marshall as rare bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Mavericks season. Despite Dallas falling out of the play-in picture, the 23-year-old told Spencer Davies of R.org that he intends to finish strong and fight fatigue during what has been a career year. Christie becomes eligible for an extension in July as he enters the third season of a four-year, $32 million contract.
Source: Hoops Rumors
