NBA: A way-too-early deep dive into the 2021-22 MVP award race

Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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Devin Booker
NBA Phoenix Suns Devin Booker (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

NBA MVP odds: Devin Booker +2200

Similar to Young, Devin Booker really burst onto the scene during the postseason. For a Phoenix Suns team that made it all the way to the NBA Finals, Booker had some incredible moments throughout their run, including two 40-point outings in the Finals.

In order for the Suns to make another deep playoff run, Booker needs to take a step up and become the Suns’ best player. Now, I know what you’re saying: “Booker already is the Suns’ best player, what are you talking about?”

Well, Chris Paul was the main reason the Suns made such a leap last season. In pivotal playoff games last season, Paul was the one who stepped up, not Booker. Booker needs to become more consistent in order to even be mentioned in the MVP conversation, but like Young, he may be worth a flyer.