Murphy isn’t just making incremental strides — he’s delivering All-Star-level production at an efficiency that should have him firmly in the conversation. In Brandon Ingram’s absence, first from injury and now after his trade to the Toronto Raptors, Murphy has thrived in a larger role, averaging over 22 points per game on the season. In a five-game stretch spanning from January 31 to February 8, he put up a ridiculous 31.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 62 percent from the field and 57.8 percent from deep. Those are video game numbers.
Yet somehow, despite those performances, he remains completely absent from MIP betting markets. That’s absurd, considering players like Norman Powell (+145) and Cade Cunningham (-140) are being celebrated for much smaller statistical leaps.
How Murphy Stacks Up Against the Favorites
Cade Cunningham is the odds-on favorite, and while his jump in efficiency is commendable, his statistical improvements aren’t drastic. He’s averaging 25.3 points, 9.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds — decent bumps across the board from last season’s 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. His case is largely narrative-driven, as Detroit has gone from historically bad to playoff contention. But does a No. 1 pick naturally progressing warrant the MIP? It feels like rewarding someone for doing what they were always expected to do.
Norman Powell, on the other hand, has a compelling case. He’s taken on the role of the Clippers’ top scorer at 24.0 points per game — a massive leap for a 10-year veteran. That kind of late-career improvement is rare and deserves recognition. But even his jump in production pales in comparison to Murphy’s explosion this year.
Then there’s Tyler Herro, another player getting love at +1500. He’s putting up 24.0 points and 5.4 assists while carrying Miami through its Jimmy Butler drama. Impressive? Sure. But Herro has been a high-usage offensive player for years. His numbers aren’t unexpected.
Murphy, on the other hand, is shattering expectations. His scoring surge isn’t just about volume. It’s also about efficiency, adaptability, and impact. He’s hitting 38.3 percent of his threes while maintaining his aggressive output from beyond the arc, proving he’s expanding his game while also retaining his roots as a lethal outside threat. His off-the-dribble creation and playmaking growth should be setting off alarms for voters.
Why Isn’t Murphy in the Top 10?
It’s a mystery why sportsbooks haven’t caught on. Maybe it’s because he plays in New Orleans, away from the NBA’s biggest markets and for a team headed to the lottery this summer. Maybe it’s because he wasn’t a high draft pick like Cunningham or a long-time veteran like Powell. Whatever the reason, the omission is indefensible.
If Murphy continues this pace, he won’t just deserve a spot in the MIP race — he might end up winning the whole thing. It’s time for oddsmakers and voters to wake up.
