[NBA.com] MVP Ladder: 1. Nikola Jokić 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 3. Luka Dončić 4. Giannis Antetokounmpo 5. Cade Cunningham
What they are saying: “He might be the best player in the history of the NBA.” — Stan Van Gundy, the former coach and current TV analyst, on Jokić.
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 29.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, 11.1 assists
His case: What’s also admirable about Jokić is his durability. Unlike others on this Ladder, he hasn’t missed a game. Only once in his career has he played less than 70 games in a season (69 games in 2022-23). Jokić doesn’t even like to rest, telling coaches he’d rather stay on the floor and stay in rhythm. Whenever he is on the bench or in street clothes, the Nuggets suffer historically, at least they did before this season.
One more thing: Jokić occasionally gets grief for his defense — that’s more of a nit-pick by folks searching for flaws — yet he’s No. 18 in the league in steals per game (1.6 spg). Last season, he ranked among the leaders in points, rebounds, assists and steals, and is on pace to do so again.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 32.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists
His case: Gilgeous-Alexander puts OKC games out of reach, often by halftime, certainly by the third quarter, before he takes the rest of the night off. His scoring, shooting efficiency and ability to protect the ball (less than two turnovers per game) bolster his MVP case.
Still operating without All-NBA teammate Jalen Williams (who reportedly will make his debut Friday), Gilgeous-Alexander remains the unquestioned centerpiece of the Thunder’s offense. It will be curious how much Gilgeous-Alexander cedes when Williams returns, and if so, whether that — along with resting in fourth quarters — affects his place on the ladder given the steep competition for MVP this season.
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists
His case: He’s coming off one of the more impressive single-game efforts of the season by anyone, an efficient, 43-point near triple-double against the Clippers, where Dončić showed all the supreme skills. What’s interesting is how comfortable he appears, not only with the Lakers and his role, but in L.A. He seems to like his surroundings.
Also, how is Dončić already in the top 10 in Lakers history with 40-point games? He just arrived yesterday. He also has more 40-pointers this season than any player.
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists
His case: Antetokounmpo pre-injury was a potential Ladder leader, someone who powered the Bucks nightly at both ends and stayed among the league’s best scorers (63.6% from the floor, 50% from deep) and rebounders.
Of course, Antetokounmpo must be available to help his team and to remain eligible for seasonal awards. For the sake of his spot on the Ladder, his return should come any day now as he ramps up from an adductor injury. However, he has missed six of Milwaukee’s 19 games and the Bucks are starting to fade in the East. Look at it another way: the truest sign of a player’s value is when his team nosedives without him.
5. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Season stats: 28.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.3 assists
His case: Cunningham would love to have that missed free-throw attempt back, which ultimately cost the Pistons vs. the Celtics on Wednesday and ended their 13-game win streak. But of course, he put Detroit in position to win that close game — 42 points, eight rebounds, five assists — as well as the others during that hot streak.
With November coming to a close, Cunningham is averaging 31.1 ppg, 9.9 apg and 6.4 rpg as Detroit has gone 9-1 in the games he’s played. That’s worthy of a top-five ranking on the Ladder.
The next 5:
6. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs 7. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers 8. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers 9. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets 10. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Brandon Ingram, Toronto Raptors; Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers.