If early MVP odds are any indication, Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons might have the best chance to end America’s MVP drought.
The last seven MVP awards have gone to players born outside the US, the birthplace of basketball. The last American-born MVP was James Harden way back in 2017-18, a drought Cade Cunningham hopes to break.
FanDuel gives Cunningham the 7th-best odds to win MVP, just behind Anthony Edwards, the only other American in the top seven.
Chances are high we’ll see another international MVP, as the best odds go to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama before you get to Edwards and Cunningham.
A lot of things would have to go right for Cade to get serious consideration for the MVP award, though he did finish 7th in the voting last season.
He obviously has to stay healthy to reach the 65-game minimum necessary for awards, but the Pistons will also have to improve their position in the standings.
Even then it’s a long shot, but another top 10 finish is certainly not out of the question, especially with Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton likely out for the season.
These odds are meaningless at this point, but they do reflect how the game has changed and how a new generation of stars are taking over.
Cade Cunningham MVP odds: Changing of the guard in the NBA
The NBA is truly an international sport with myriad countries producing superstars. There are competitive leagues all over Europe and in Australia, so the rest of the world has caught up to the US when it comes to producing elite talent.
There are still more Americans in the league of course, but it’s been amazing to watch the sport grow and flourish all over. With NBA Africa gaining momentum, this trend is going to continue, which is overall a great thing for the sport.
These MVP odds also reflect how the new generation has taken over. Players like Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama have better MVP odds than Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James.
The 30 and unders (Giannis and Jokic still make the cut) have taken over the NBA and the under 25’s aren’t far behind them.
When it comes to an American winning the MVP again, we’re not likely to see it next season, but it’s coming and likely going to be Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum or Cade Cunningham who delivers it.