Yes, JJ Helterbrand was absolutely right when he jokingly mentioned that June Mar Fajardo could potentially win 8 MVPs in his career, considering Fajardo’s dominance in the PBA. Helterbrand’s comment is a reflection of how Fajardo has consistently been one of the top players in the league and has built a legacy as one of the most dominant big men in PBA history.

Why Was JJ Helterbrand Right?

Fajardo’s Consistency: Fajardo has been extremely consistent in his performances throughout the years. He has already won 6 MVP titles, which is an incredible achievement in itself. Given his continued level of performance and his central role in the San Miguel Beermen’s success, there is a strong possibility that he could win a few more MVP titles if he continues to play at this level.
Physical Dominance: Fajardo’s size, strength, and skills make him a constant presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. His ability to dominate the boards, score inside, and protect the rim is unmatched in the current PBA landscape. He has also evolved his game over the years to remain competitive, which is why he is still one of the top candidates for MVP honors year after year.
San Miguel Beermen’s Success: The fact that San Miguel Beermen has consistently been one of the top teams in the league, with Fajardo as the centerpiece, is another reason why he has been a top MVP contender. A team’s success heavily influences MVP voting, and Fajardo’s ability to lead his team to championships has kept him in the MVP conversation throughout his career.
Age and Career Longevity: Fajardo is still relatively young for a player of his stature and has been able to maintain his health and level of play despite the physical nature of his position. If he can continue his performance well into his 30s, it wouldn’t be surprising if he could rack up a few more MVPs.

The Joke About 8 MVPs

Helterbrand’s statement about Fajardo winning 8 MVPs was likely made in a light-hearted, joking manner, but it’s not entirely far-fetched given Fajardo’s career trajectory. To reach 8 MVPs, Fajardo would need to maintain his level of excellence for several more seasons. While this might be a stretch, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility if Fajardo continues to play at his current elite level and stays healthy.

In summary, while Fajardo has already won 6 MVPs, his consistent performance, leadership on the court, and the Beermen’s continued success could indeed give him a shot at winning 8 MVPs before his career is over, making Helterbrand’s comment a fair one in the context of Fajardo’s dominance in the PBA.