Now that the season has started a good month ago and we are reaching the first quarter of it, it is time to take stock of our traditional MVP race.
A ranking where we find regulars, like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum, as well as another more fragile phenomenon in the person of Anthony Davis, but above all a UFO which is none other than Nikola Jokic. The title holder, incidentally.
In the footsteps of Bill Russell and LeBron James?
Crowned in 2021, in 2022 and therefore in 2024, the Denver interior has further raised its level of play and, as crazy as it may seem, it has set its personal records in scoring (29.7), passing (10.6), in interception (1.5), blocking (0.9) and 3-point address (53%)! Without forgetting the playing time (37), proof of its indispensability among the Nuggets who, however, blow hot and cold collectively…
At this rate, and despite the disadvantageous phenomenon of “voters fatigue”, which has sometimes played against legends like Michael Jordan or LeBron James, it will be difficult to deprive Nikola Jokic of a fourth MVP trophy in five years if he continues like this. A feat that only Bill Russell (1961, 1962, 1963, 1965) and LeBron James (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013) have achieved in the past.
In addition to Bill Russell (5) and LeBron James (4), three other players have won at least four MVP titles: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6), Michael Jordan (5) and Wilt Chamberlain (4). An “ultra select” circle that Moses Malone, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson failed to integrate, remaining with three trophies.
Competition behind but on the lookout
The fact remains that several players seem to have the shoulders to prevent Nikola Jokic from leaving once again in June with the most prestigious individual award.
Starting with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander And Jayson Tatumestablished as the best player on the best team in the West and the best player on the defending champions (who are just one historic Cavaliers start away from remaining the best team in the league).
Closer to the circle, the construction sites Giannis Antetokounmpo And Anthony Davis do not go unnoticed, but the balance sheets of their respective franchises are currently playing tricks on them, compared to competition that is both fierce and intractable.
Behind, profiles like Franz Wagner (Magic), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Jalen Brunson (Knicks) or even Alperen Sengun (Rockets) are a significant individual and/or collective “run” away from finding themselves in the Top 5. Also watch out for the indestructible LeBron James (Lakers), Kevin Durant (Suns) and Stephen Curry (Warriors). Not to mention Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Domantas Sabonis (Kings) or Luka Doncic (Mavericks).
RACE FOR MVP: OUR TOP 5
1 – Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
Summary: 10 wins, 7 losses – 5th in the West.
Matches: 14 disputed out of 17 possible.
Stats: 29.7 pts, 13.1 reb, 10.6 pads, 1.5 int, 0.9 ctr and 3.6 pdb in 37 min.
Percentages: 57% on shots, including 53% on 3-pointers, and 83% on throws.
2 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
Summary: 15 wins, 4 losses – 1st in the West.
Matches: 19 disputed out of 19 possible.
Stats: 29.8 pts, 5.3 reb, 6.6 pads, 1.7 int, 1.1 ctr and 2.8 pdb in 35 min.
Percentages: 50% on shots, including 34% on 3-pointers, and 86% on throws.
3 – Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
Summary: 16 wins, 3 losses – 2nd in the East.
Matches: 19 disputed out of 19 possible.
Stats: 28.7 pts, 8.5 reb, 5.8 pads, 1.4 int, 0.6 ctr and 2.8 pdb in 36 min.
Percentages: 46% on shots, including 38% on 3-pointers, and 80% on throws.
4 – Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
Summary: 10 wins, 9 losses – 6th in the East.
Matches: 17 disputed out of 19 possible.
Stats: 32.9 pts, 11.9 reb, 6.6 pads, 0.5 int, 1.4 ctr and 3.3 pdb in 35 min.
Percentages: 61% on shots, including 21% on 3-pointers, and 61% on throws.
5 – Anthony Davis (Lakers)
Summary: 11 wins, 8 losses – 6th in the West.
Matches: 18 disputed out of 19 possible.
Stats: 28.4 pts, 11.6 reb, 3.4 pads, 1.3 int, 2.1 ctr and 2.0 pdb in 35 min.
Percentages: 56% on shots, including 36% on 3-pointers, and 78% on throws.
