[NBA.com] Updated MVP Ladder: 1) Jokic — 2) Shai — 3) Luka — 4) Cade — 5) Giannis
NBA.com’s Updated MVP Ladder:
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 11.1 assists
His case: The only player in the NBA currently averaging a triple-double, and likely the only player to finish the season with a triple-double average unless Luka Dončić pulls even. Jokić remains on a higher all-around offensive plane than just about everyone else.
He averaged 32-11-11 in November and opened December with a 29-20 double-double. Actually, the only thing Jokić hasn’t been able to do is help the Nuggets prosper at home, where they’re a pedestrian 6-4. The good news? The next three games are on the road.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 32.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists
His case: After finishing November with 12 games (out of 21) scoring at least 30 points, Shai opened December with a similar pop — 38 points Tuesday against the Warriors. Just as impressive, he didn’t commit a turnover in that game, and that’s with 38 minutes of playing time. The ability to protect the ball is such an understated part of his bag.
Shai’s accuracy remains astounding as of late. He made 13 of 21 against the Warriors, and four games earlier shot 13-18 against the Blazers to avenge the Thunder’s only loss of the season. He’s at 55% on the season and has made less than 50% in a game only four times.
3. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists
His case: He’s the scoring leader and ranks fourth in assists and among the best rebounding guards in the league right now. Over the last seven games, Luka has scored 33 or more points and hit 40 twice. His rise in LA continues.
He can be reckless with the ball at times — nine turnovers in his last game — but the pluses far outweigh that; those mistakes rarely cost the Lakers a game, as evident by their place in the standings.
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Season stats: 27.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists
His case: Cunningham still has the Pistons in the attic of the East, a spot they enjoyed throughout much of November, and now, into December. In that sense, he’s the best player on the best team, at least record-wise, in the conference.
Although he scored only 18 points last Monday against the Hawks — his lowest output in 13 games — he secured the one-point win with a reverse layup in the final seconds. It was typical of Cunningham, coming through when the Pistons needed him most.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists
His case: Uh-oh — a tremendous start to the season by Giannis seems seriously jeopardized now with the calf strain he suffered Wednesday. The missed games are piling up at the wrong time for the MVP candidate and the Bucks.
It seems Giannis’ chance of even qualifying for the MVP or any other major award is in peril, given that he must reach the 65-games-played limit; he can only miss 11 more games. No need to penalize him this week on the MVP ladder, but obviously, his availability will dictate his spot in the future. We’ll show him respect for now.
The next 5:
6. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
7. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
9. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
10. Jaylen Brown Boston Celtics
And five more (listed alphabetically): Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors; Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks; Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers.