(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
We’re approaching the end of the first quarter of the NBA season.
While there are still a lot of hoops to be played, we can already start making some picks and predictions about this year’s MVP.
Notably, NBA.com just released its updated MVP ladder, and it was quite interesting (via NBA Central).
https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9’s update MVP Ladder:
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Joel Embiid
T-3. Luka Doncic
T-3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
6. Tyrese Haliburton
7. Jayson Tatum
8. Kevin Durant
9. Anthony Edwards
10. LeBron James
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 1, 2023
LeBron James got the nod at No. 10, which is kind of surprising, as the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled mightily, and most of his stats have come with the game already out of reach.
At No. 9, Anthony Edwards and his up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves finally got some much-deserved consideration.
Kevin Durant got the nod at No. 8, which is only fair, as he has single-handedly carried the Phoenix Suns because of Devin Booker’s and Bradley Beal’s constant injuries.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is No. 7, which is kind of shocking if you consider his team’s record.
Then, rising star Tyrese Haliburton got the nod at No. 6, which is no surprise, as he’s posting video-game-like numbers in terms of assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio, anchoring the league’s most exciting offense.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again a perennial candidate, climbing to No. 5 despite sharing the spotlight with Damian Lillard.
Then, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic are tied for the third spot, which is no surprise.
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid is now No. 2, with Nikola Jokic reclaiming the top spot, and it seems like these two will go back and forth throughout the course of the season again, just like they’ve done over the past three years or so.
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