The NBA Michael Jordan MVP award, as the name itself, is given to the most valuable player in the league. He may not be the best player in other people’s eyes, but the winner certainly is the reason why his team continues to thrive even in the deepest competitions. It’s yet another season and we’re seeing former MVPs and those who are trying to win their first trophy compete for this heavily coveted award. Let’s see who are the frontrunners in this season’s NBA MVP award.
5. Steph Curry
The Warriors are still holding their ground in a jampacked Western Conference despite an aging core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and newly-acquired Chris Paul. Although their dynasty isn’t the same as it was back in 2015-2019, The Dubs are still the team to beat in the West.
Highest scoring games by Warriors players this season:
Steph Curry – 42
Steph Curry – 41
Steph Curry – 34
Steph Curry – 30
Steph Curry – 30
Steph Curry – 28
Steph Curry – 27
Steph Curry – 24
Steph Curry – 23
Steph Curry – 21
Dario Saric – 20Get Steph some help pic.twitter.com/BhamDpo2ET
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 12, 2023
Leading them is no other than the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. Believe it or not, 34-year-old Steph is averaging 30 points per game! Moreover, he’s shooting more than 45% from the three again, his best average in the last 8 years. However, this might be due to the fact that he does not need to facilitate anymore and can play off-ball more since they already have the quintessential point guard or “Point God”, Chris Paul.
4. Jayson Tatum
The Jays in Boston (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown) are one of the best duos in the league. But, Tatum clears Brown as the team’s ultimate superstar.
NBA Players of the Week for Week 2.
West: Stephen Curry (@warriors)
East: Jayson Tatum (@celtics) pic.twitter.com/VYDzRSVs2A— NBA (@NBA) November 6, 2023
Although he isn’t averaging 30 – same as last season -, Jayson Tatum is still a legitimate offensive threat every game. He may be scoring fewer points now, but at least he’s more effective and efficient. Plus, the Celtics are still the second-best team in the East, just right there behind the Philadelphia 76ers.
3. Joel Embiid
The reigning MVP wants to win back-to-back, and it’s likely he’s going to get it again. In the last five years, the NBA has given the MVP award to a foreigner. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) and Nikola Jokic (Serbia) were both back-to-back MVPs. If that is still the trend now, then Joel Embiid is definitely getting his second consecutive trophy.
Joel Embiid over his last 7 games:
33 PTS – 16 REB – 2 BLK – W
27 PTS – 10 REB – 4 BLK – W
48 PTS – 11 REB – 6 AST – W
26 PTS – 11 REB – 1 BLK – W
28 PTS – 13 REB – 7 AST – W
35 PTS – 15 REB – 6 BLK – W
34 PTS – 9 REB – 8 AST – W pic.twitter.com/PlfjiIeDS7— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 11, 2023
For three consecutive seasons, JoJo has been averaging more than 30 points and 10 rebounds, making him arguably the second-best player in the league (sorry Embiid, Jokic is still No.1). As expected, the six-time All-Star is still putting up the same numbers, but what’s more surprising is that the Sixers are thriving even without James Harden. So far, they have won 8 straight games and are the No.1 team in the Eastern Conference.
2. Luka Doncic
After a disappointing 2022-2023 season, Luka Doncic is back for revenge. The Mavericks fell short of achieving a good enough record to even be in the Play-In tournament, ultimately taking them out of playoff contention back in March. But, 2023-2024 might just be the Mavs and Luka’s redemption as they shock everybody.
Luka this season:
32.9 PPG
8.9 RPG
8.4 APG
52.8 FG%
41.5 3P%Top __ in the MVP race. https://t.co/DP2S71iNSG
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 11, 2023
Dallas is tied with Denver with the best record in the West. And, with MVP-esque numbers of 32.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.4 rebounds, there’s no question that Luka may even win it all.
1. MVP frontrunner: Nikola Jokic
November was filled with shocking, intriguing, and tragic NBA news. The James Harden era in the Clippers was a disaster, Tyrese Maxey and Cam Thomas are balling out for their teams, Ja Morant is still suspended, and Kelly Oubre Jr. gets hit by a car while walking on the pedestrian. Meanwhile, nobody talks about the two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the reigning champs, the Denver Nuggets.
SOMBOR SHUFFLE SPECIAL 🕺
Nikola Jokic is too good at this.pic.twitter.com/G7SMVwJOi0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 9, 2023
The Nuggets are the best team in the West right now even though there were no major changes in their championship squad. But, it’s as if that Jokic wants the MVP again with his current performances. It’s quiet and subtle, but if you watch him this season, it’s a different type of beast. The Serbian big man is putting up a career-high 30 PPG while still producing as usual in the assists and rebounds department.
