Nikola Mirotic was named the MVP of the 2021-22 EuroLeague season. The FC Barcelona star obviously took the award home after an incredible year leading the Catalans to the best record in the league and the 2022 Final-4.
He registered 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 36 games along with a league-best PIR of 19.4. The Catalans’ star flourished in the offensive end for his team, which ended up with a 21-7 record.
However, some EuroLeague peers do not agree with the voters. Former EuroLeague star Tyrese Rice shared his thoughts on the MVP award claiming that Mike James should have been this year’s winner.
“I think people mistake MVP often for best player on the best team. That doesn’t mean most valuable all the time. Barca would still make the playoffs without Mirotic. Maybe even the final 4. Monaco would be bottom 4 without Mike and I don’t think that’s debate,” Rice tweeted.
The explosive guard led AS Monaco Basket in the postseason during the team’s first season in the EuroLeague. James was the leader and go-to guy for an AS Monaco squad that defied the expectations to reach the playoffs.
The Roca team reached one win away from the Final-4 in the playoff battle against a traditional Greek and EuroLeague powerhouse like Olympiacos. James ranked third in the league in both scoring (16.4 PPG) and assists (5.8 APG) and was 10th in steals (1.2 SPG).
I think people mistake MVP often for best player on the best team. That doesn’t mean most valuable all the time. Barca would still make the playoffs without Mirotic. Maybe even the final 4. Monaco would be bottom 4 without Mike and I don’t think that’s debate. — Rese (@ReseRice4) May 18, 2022
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