Giddey ranks Goulding, Lual-Acuil Jr, Travers as MVP frontrunners

Oklahoma City Thunder and Australian Boomers star Josh Giddey has weighed in on the NBL MVP debate as the league heads into the FIBA Break.

Looking at the play of Melbourne United’s collection of stars, the former Rookie of the Year winner believes Chris Goulding is the frontrunner for the award, with Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Luke Travers not far behind.

Here’s how Giddey placed Melbourne’s star trio within his MVP rankings:

1 - Chris Goulding

Whenever we played Melbourne United, CG43 was always the top of the scouting report. Regardless of how talented United’s rosters have been, he is still the barometer.

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Goulding is showing everyone this League is still his. To me, he is the MVP favourite and his recent scoring streak – 33, 19, 27 and 35 points – has showcased he is still the most dangerous player on the court at age 35.

5 - Jo Lual-Acuil Jr 

JLA has publicly said he came back to the NBL to try and make the NBA, and he is doing everything he can to ensure scouts have him on their list.

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Melbourne’s imposing big man is averaging 17.4 points and 7.6 rebounds and can singly handily take over games with his intimidating and forceful style of play.

10 - Luke Travers

The move to Melbourne has paid dividends for Travers; someone I think will play a massive role in the future of Australian basketball.

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He is an influential player on both ends of the floor for the League’s best team, while still finding ways to become more comfortable in Dean Vickerman’s system – meaning his productivity will only increase. Travers is still learning and it’s scary to consider just how skilled he already is and will be.

To read Giddey’s full top-10 breakdown, click here.

Fans will get their next opportunity to see Melbourne’s stars take to the court after the ‘FIBA Break’ when United host the Cairns Taipans on 3 December from 2pm.

Get access to three Melbourne United home games in December (3 Dec, 10 Dec, 16 Dec) for a fraction of the price of single game tickets. A Blue Friday 3 Game Pass starts from just $40.00 per person.