So, with Embiid injured, the MVP conversation this year is a lot more exciting. There are a lot of regular season games left, so despite the current standings, there is time for teams to turn things around.
That being said, there is no time like the present, so here are my Top 5 MVP candidates so far this season:
#5 – Jayson Tatum
Jason Tatum is having an amazing season so far, and so are the Celtics, for that matter. In short, he’s the best player, on the best team, running the best system. Tatum has had incredible, high-level performances, and his overall ability on offense and defense is outstanding.
So why 5th?
Someone so capable should not be missing that many points on the inside. So, I think the biggest reason could be his shot selection:
Tatum is shooting 34.6% from the 5 to 9-foot range, meaning most of his trouble comes from inside the paint. But this really shouldn’t be the case for Tatum. He’s shooting better in almost every area than last year. His effectiveness in the short-three and long-two-point range is dangerous, so cleaning up his shot selection could help push him toward a better chance for the title.
#4 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
(It hurts to put him at 4th, especially since I’ve been a big fan of the Greek Freak since he was a rookie, and because he’s having a great season.)
Statistically, it’s all there, Giannis is having another All-Star season, he’s shooting 61.6% from the field with 30 points per game and is the only player in the league scoring that many points AND shooting over 60%.
Frankly, there is a lot of time left in the season, so there is a chance for the Bucks to find their stride again offensively with an experienced coach like Doc Rivers. Realistically, it will depend on whether Giannis and Lillard can find some offensive rhythm together. If so, Giannis might be in a better position for MVP, playing a bigger role as a team player without giving up those stat lines he’s so used to.
#3 – Luka Doncic
It’s difficult to look at the Mavericks this season, and then at a player like Luka Doncic, and not put him in the MVP discussion.
Above everyone on this list, Luka has the highest points, assists, and 3-pointers (tied) made per game.
Not only that, but Luka is the 2nd most effective 4th quarter scorer this season, which, when talking about an MVP, really adds to his resume as a reliable late-game option.
The dynamic with Kyrie Irving has helped him put up crazy numbers in games like those against the Suns and the Knicks. We know Luka is a lethal shooter inside and beyond the arch, so an MVP season for him might mean we need to see more of his abilities as an influential role player.
#2 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
I’m putting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the #2 spot for MVP this season because of both the tangible and intangible factors.
Tangible: He’s averaging a solid 31 PPG, is tied with Luka at 38% from three (highest on the list), and is leading the league in steals, all while still averaging six rebounds and seven assists per game.
As for the Intangibles: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a nightmare for defenders this season. He has consistently shown his ability to read the floor, maneuver through defenses, and work man-on-man coverage to find his sweet spots for some easy points.
The best example of this would be their recent game versus the Clippers. His ability to switch between that team player and an aggressive scorer makes him a star for the Thunder, and a combination of speed and shifty ball handling makes him impossible to stay in front of.
No doubt, Shai sits at the #2 spot for MVP this year with a good shot at the title.
#1 – Nikola Jokic
Yes, Jokic is my frontrunner for MVP this season.
While he’s not putting up Joel Embiid numbers this season, Nikola Jokic’s abilities as the Nugget’s center is way beyond that typical ‘big man’ role.
If you don’t know already, Jokic does it all, from rebounds to assists, to shooting from mid and three-point range, and he runs the team’s offense alongside Jamal Murray.
Jokic is averaging 26 points, 9 assists, and 12 rebounds per game. Scoring over him in the paint is difficult, but his size makes him an asset on defense and offense. With the 2nd highest defensive rebounds per game, his ability and size also make for easy points in the post and give him a dangerous number of options at the top of the key.
While he isn’t “the best” in any specific area, his capabilities as a scorer, as an offensive role player, and on defensive backboards make him so valuable to the Nuggets, and evidently the best candidate for the MVP this season.
Honorable mentions:
I figured it’d be best to give some honorable mentions for players that have a good shot at the title, but didn’t quite make it in the Top 5:
- Kawhi Leonard – LA Clippers (Seriously considered for 5th)
- Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers (Close 7th behind Kawhi)
- Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves;
- Kevin Durant – Pheonix Suns
So, now you have five names to keep an eye out for as we get closer to the postseason.
There’s so much left to see from these players, and I’m interested to see how the level of games continues to change as playoff seeding becomes more of a concern.
