Why Tassie’s captain belongs in the MVP race

The Tasmania JackJumpers sit on top of the standings through five rounds thanks to an impressive 5-2 record.

Local star Taran Armstrong is leading from the front during that strong start, highlighted by his career-best 32 points on Sunday.

But 2020 NBL Sixth Man of the Year Jason Cadee believes it’s the team’s captain that been the most impactful in the Ants’ play.

“Will Magnay is the most influential centre in the League right now in terms of his ability to affect the game at both ends of the floor,” he said on NBL Now, presented by CODE Sports.

“Defensively, he just puts people in a bind where they get in there, and they worry about where he is, and they’re paying attention.

“He deters shots; he makes people second-guess themselves.

“On the other end, his ability to be an elite screener and roller just draws attention. And I love, like, the way Will has passed the ball this year.”

Magnay is arguably having his most dominant beginning to a season of his career, averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2.4 blocks per game.

“I’ve got him up top; in terms of people, they should be talking about him as an MVP candidate,” Cadee added.

While Cadee believes Magnay’s dominance should be highlighted more, the MVP race is only just heating up.

“I think Bryce and KD… they’re always going to be in that battle now,” he said.

“Even people talking about Bryce… then he goes to Tassie and all of a sudden people forget the couple of slower games for him.

“Mennenga’s had had incredible three or four games… so it’s hard. He’s averaging 34 and 15 over the last three games.

“I think there’s probably a group of guys who are playing really good basketball… no one’s a clear standout for me.”

Tasmania host Brisbane in an Ignite Cup clash on Wednesday from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.