Leading NBA MVP Candidates
Which players are at the forefront of the MVP race?
While it may feel like the NBA bubble just ended a couple weeks ago, here we are almost a third of the way through this year’s regular season. Some games have unfortunately been postponed. The show however, has gone on, and what a show it’s been. Some teams have been pleasant surprises, while others have struggled to live up to expectations. Players have also begun making a case for a potential MVP award in the future. Below I will name the top three candidates for this year’s MVP so far.
Honorable Mention: Lebron James
It’s not an MVP debate without Lebron James. Lebron currently has the Lakers third in the Western Conference, and has performed exceptionally well. He’s averaging 25 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. His numbers however just don’t match up to the three MVP frontrunners. Lebron is averaging less points while shooting a lower percentage than the three players I’m going to mention. He also has a lower PER (player efficiency rating) than the three candidates. So while Lebron has performed well, he still falls short as of now in the MVP race.
3. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has been nothing short of spectacular coming off his devastating Achilles injury. Durant is averaging the second-most points in the league (30.9), while shooting 52 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from three-point range. His performance this year doesn’t stop there, as Durant is averaging 7.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. This has led to Durant ranking fifth in PER, with a rating of 26.71. The former MVP has Brooklyn sitting with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference as well. Add it all up, and you have a strong case that KD could be this year’s MVP. Two players might have something to say about that however.
2. Joel Embiid
Is this the potential everyone has been waiting for? When it comes to Joel Embiid many have felt like despite his strong performances in the past, the former Kansas center could take it to another level. Well it appears like he finally has. Embiid has been dominant this season, leading the 76ers to the best record in the East. As for Embiid himself, he ranks in the top-ten in points per game, rebounds per game, and PER. The Philadelphia big man is averaging 28.3 points (fourth-most) on 54.4 percent shooting from the field and 40.4 percent from three. He’s also averaging 11.1 rebounds (eighth-most), 2.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. This has led to Embiid earning a 31.31 PER, which ranks second in the NBA. While it appears Embiid has finally taken advantage of his potential, there is still one player more deserving of this year’s MVP award.
- Nikola Jokic
What a season is has been for Nikola Jokic. The Serbian center has been off the charts so far. Jokic ranks in the top-eleven in points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, double-doubles, triple-doubles, and PER. Denver’s big man has flat out been stuffing the stat sheet. Jokic is averaging 26.8 points (eleventh-most) on 57.4 percent shooting from the field and 38.4 percent from three. He’s also putting up 11.8 rebounds (sixth-most), 8.6 assists (fifth-most), and 1.8 steals per game. The numbers hardly stop there for Jokic, as he ranks first in double-doubles (20), and second in triple-doubles (5). This has led to a 31.44 PER, which is the best in the NBA. These stats aren’t for nothing either, as Jokic has Denver as the fourth-seed in the West. As of now, Nikola Jokic is the frontrunner for this year’s MVP.
