Small change this year. Rather than offering a weekly MVP race, which was too often repetitive in our eyes, we decided to opt for a monthly MVP race.
For this first (big) month of competition, it is Joel Embiid which we place at the top, while Nikola Jokic Or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are in ambush and Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo or Tyrese Haliburton are also to be monitored.
The new distance fight between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic risks making us vibrate throughout this campaign. As in 2021, 2022 then 2023 because, in those seasons, they had already occupied the first two places in the MVP voting. In the event of a fourth occurrence, this would simply equal the record of the LeBron James – Kevin Durant rivalry: four years where they occupied the Top 2 of the vote for the most famous individual award.
Joel Embiid aims for a double and a triple
Awarded last May, Joel Embiid is emerging as a credible candidate for his own succession. Orphaned by James Harden but now supported by an explosive Tyrese Maxey, the “Process” has not slowed down the pace statistically (almost 32 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 1 interception on average) and collectively (Top 4 in the East), logically starting to dream of the 16th double in the history of the MVP. Even a first Defender of the Year trophy, given the bases on which he also started in this sector…
In addition, still firmly installed at the top of the ranking of the best points averages, Joel Embiid could add a third title consecutive best scorer in the league to his name! A feat that only George Mikan, Neil Johnston, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob McAdoo, George Gervin, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant and James Harden have achieved in the past. Proof of the mark that “JoJo” is leaving in the NBA history books.
Nikola Jokic to establish his domination?
Still, Nikola Jokic is just as impressive in Colorado, to thwart Joel Embiid’s plans. The league’s new “triple-double” machine, the Serbian got off to a flying start after winning his first NBA title and his first Finals MVP trophy. If he were to win the regular season MVP the season following his title of Finals MVP, he would become the sixth player to win, in that order, Finals MVP then regular season MVP. Imitating Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971-1972), Bill Walton (1977-1978), Larry Bird (1984-1985), Michael Jordan (1991-1992, 1997-1998) and finally LeBron James (2012-2013).
Furthermore, by adding a third “Michael Jordan Trophy” to his list thanks to his XXL performances with Denver (especially without Jamal Murray…), Nikola Jokic would join the club of triple winners. Club currently composed of Moses Malone, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, no less!
The competition is ready…
In the shadow of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, there are several who can join the race for the “Michael Jordan Trophy”. This is particularly the case of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to do wonders at the head of a surprising Thunder team. A description that could perfectly apply to Anthony Edwards with the Wolves who also continue to do well in the Western Conference.
Further east, let’s obviously not forget the candidacies of Jayson Tatum, the leader of the best team in the league (Boston), or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains statistically impeccable despite Milwaukee’s mixed start. As for Tyrese Haliburton, he looks like an outsider with his high-class performances at the wheel of Indiana’s attack.
Finally, Luka Doncic’s performances should not be underestimated given the Mavericks’ good start. Ditto for those of Kevin Durant, excellent in keeping the Suns afloat for a month.
RACE FOR MVP: OUR TOP 5
1 – Joel Embiid (Sixers)
Summary: 12 wins, 5 losses – 4th in the East.
Matches: 16 disputed out of 17 possible.
Stats: 32.0 pts, 11.3 reb, 6.6 pads, 1.0 int, 1.9 ctr and 3.7 pdb in 35 min.
Percentages: 50% on shots, 32% on 3-pointers and 88% on throws.
2 – Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
Summary: 12 wins, 6 losses – 3rd in the West.
Matches: 17 disputed out of 18 possible.
Stats: 28.8 pts, 13.4 reb, 8.9 pads, 1.2 int, 0.8 ctr and 3.2 pdb in 34 min.
Percentages: 57% on shots, 31% on 3-pointers and 79% on throws.
3 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
Summary: 11 wins, 5 losses – 2nd in the West.
Matches: 15 disputed out of 16 possible.
Stats: 30.4 pts, 6.1 reb, 6.2 pads, 2.3 int, 0.9 ctr and 2.3 pdb in 34 min.
Percentages: 53% on shots, 36% on 3-pts and 94% on throws.
4 – Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
Summary: 10 wins, 6 losses – 5th in the West.
Matches: 16 disputed out of 16 possible.
Stats: 30.5 pts, 7.9 reb, 7.8 pads, 1.3 int, 0.4 ctr and 3.9 pdb in 35 min.
Percentages: 49% on shots, 39% on 3-pointers and 77% on throws.
5 – Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
Summary: 13 wins, 4 losses – 1st in the East.
Matches: 17 disputed out of 17 possible.
Stats: 28.1 pts, 8.9 reb, 4.1 pads, 1.2 int, 0.4 ctr and 3.2 pdb in 37 min.
Percentages: 49% on shots, 37% on 3-pointers and 80% on throws.
Mentions : Anthony Edwards (Wolves), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Kevin Durant (Suns), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)…
