Top PBA MVP 2023 Contenders: Complete Player Analysis and Rankings Guide

As I sit down to analyze the top PBA MVP contenders for 2023, I can't help but notice how the league's evolving identity mirrors the fascinating uniform changes we've witnessed recently. The upcoming 2025 Reinforced Conference uniforms that pay homage to the inaugural 2017 designs particularly caught my attention - it's like watching the league come full circle while simultaneously pushing forward. This nostalgic yet progressive approach perfectly frames our discussion about this year's MVP race, where established veterans and emerging talents are creating one of the most compelling battles in recent memory.

Looking at the current landscape, June Mar Fajardo remains the gold standard against whom all other contenders must measure themselves. Having watched him dominate for years, I've come to appreciate how his game has evolved beyond mere statistics. While his numbers remain stellar - I'd estimate he's averaging around 18 points and 12 rebounds per game this season - it's his basketball IQ that truly sets him apart. The way he reads double teams and makes the right pass consistently reminds me why he's collected six MVP trophies already. Though some critics argue he's lost half a step physically, I've noticed his positioning and timing have become even more precise, compensating beautifully for any slight decline in athleticism.

What makes this year particularly interesting is the emergence of Scottie Thompson as a legitimate threat to Fajardo's throne. Having followed Scottie's career since his collegiate days, I've always believed he had this potential, but seeing him elevate his game this season has been genuinely thrilling. His triple-double capability changes everything about how we evaluate MVP candidates in the PBA context. Just last month, I watched him dismantle a defense single-handedly, finishing with what I recall was 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists - the kind of all-around performance that makes statisticians reach for their record books. His energy is simply contagious, and I'd argue he brings an excitement factor that even Fajardo can't match.

Then there's CJ Perez, whose scoring explosions have become must-watch basketball. I remember specifically marking my calendar for his matchup against Thompson earlier this season, and he didn't disappoint, dropping what I believe was 35 points despite facing constant double teams. His ability to create shots from nothing reminds me of some of the great import players we've seen in those reinforced conferences - the kind who can single-handedly carry an offense when everything else breaks down. While his defense still needs refinement, his offensive repertoire has expanded noticeably this season, adding a reliable three-point shot to his already devastating driving game.

The dark horse in this conversation, in my opinion, is Robert Bolick. Having watched his journey through injury and comeback, I've developed tremendous respect for his resilience and clutch gene. His performance in the Commissioner's Cup finals last year - I want to say he averaged 25 points in that series - demonstrated that he belongs in this conversation. What sets Bolick apart is his fearlessness in big moments; I've seen him demand the ball with the game on the line more times than I can count, and he usually delivers. His partnership with Perez has created what I consider the most dynamic backcourt in the league, though I'll admit I'm slightly biased toward guard play having been one myself in college.

What fascinates me about this year's race is how it reflects broader trends in basketball. The league is shifting toward positionless basketball, much like how those 2025 uniforms blend classic and modern elements. We're seeing big men who handle the ball like guards and guards who rebound like centers, blurring traditional positional lines. This evolution makes MVP evaluation more complex but also more interesting. I find myself looking beyond traditional stats to impact metrics and advanced analytics, though I'll confess the PBA's statistical tracking still lags behind other leagues I've studied.

Having attended numerous games this season and spoken with several coaches off the record, I've developed some strong opinions about what truly matters in this MVP race. While statistics provide the foundation, leadership and clutch performance weigh heavily in my evaluation. I've seen Thompson take over games in fourth quarters and Fajardo anchor championship-level defenses in ways that don't always show up in box scores. These intangible qualities separate the true contenders from the merely statistically impressive players.

As we approach the season's final stretch, I'm leaning toward Thompson as my personal favorite, though I acknowledge Fajardo's case remains compelling. The way Thompson impacts winning beyond traditional measures - his defensive versatility, his ability to push tempo, his unselfishness - aligns with how I believe the game should be played. That said, if Perez leads his team to a championship while maintaining his scoring averages, he could easily sway my opinion. The beauty of this race is its uncertainty, mirroring the league's own balancing act between honoring tradition and embracing innovation, much like those uniform designs that connect 2017 to 2025. Whatever the outcome, we're witnessing one of the most exciting MVP battles in PBA history, and I feel privileged to analyze it as it unfolds.