Kia MVP Ladder (Jan. 23 Update) – 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 2. Nikola Jokić, 3. Luka Dončić, 4. Victor Wembanyama, 5. Tyrese Maxey, 6. Jaylen Brown, 7. Cade Cunningham, 8. Anthony Edwards, 9. Alperen Sengun, 10. Jamal Murray
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week’s ranking: No. 1 ↔️ Season stats: 32 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists
His case: Gilgeous-Alexander is inching closer to Dončić for the NBA scoring lead, helped partly by his most recent outburst, a 40-piece against the Bucks. He shot 16-19, an astonishing display of efficiency. It was his fourth game of 40 or more points this season.
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.4 points in January, and even better, OKC has won seven of eight after lapsing into a brief but noticeable stretch of mediocrity. Once again, the Thunder are on top, and rather comfortably at that — in the West, and same for Gilgeous-Alexander on the Ladder.
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last week’s ranking: No. 2 ↔️ Season stats: 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 11 assists
His case: He’s averaging a triple-double and is largely recognized as the best player in basketball.
He’s on the clock, though, with his recovery from a hyperextended knee. Jokić was originally projected to be re-examined next week. We’ll see if he’s still on schedule for a potential return in February, if not before, and whether he’ll be 65-game eligible for MVP consideration.
3. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Last week’s ranking: No. 3 ↔️ Season stats: 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists
His case: Evidently, Dončić made a New Year’s resolution to be superb. In other words, the same as all the other resolutions in recent years. Dončić is averaging 33.2 ppg this month and has scored 30 or more points in eight of 11 games in January.
Dončić remains the league’s scoring leader but does plenty more, especially offensively, to impact winning. He’s seventh on the all-time triple-double list and needs 20 to overtake Jason Kidd for No. 6. Assuming good health, Dončić could get that by next season.
4. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Last week’s ranking: No. 4 ↔️ Season stats: 24.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks
His case: He’s back in the starting lineup and getting a minutes increase after a string of minor leg injuries slowed his roll a bit. Nonetheless, Wembanyama remains a factor at both ends. He’s No. 2 in total blocked shots (81 in 31 games) and is averaging 24.7 ppg and 9.2 rpg in just 24.7 mpg this month.
He can be a streaky 3-point shooter, but lately has discovered a rhythm. He missed all seven attempts last Tuesday against the Rockets, but otherwise was 19-31 in his last five games.
5. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Last week’s ranking: No. 8 ⬆️ Season stats: 30 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists
His case: He’s perhaps the most underrated two-way player in the league. His quickness with his hands and feet makes this possible. Maxey has another gear when driving to the rim and can disrupt passing lanes defensively.
Which means this: Maxey has been a top-five NBA scorer practically all season and is second in total steals (86). He had eight steals on Monday against the Pacers and has 19 in the last four games. Before Joel Embiid began mending (and shedding minutes restrictions while adding shot attempts), Maxey carried Philly offensively. This season, he has four games of 40 or more points, with a season high of 54.
The next 5:
6. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics ⬇️
7. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons ⬇️
8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves ⬇️
9. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets ⬆️
10. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets ↔️
And five more (listed alphabetically): Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks; Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors; Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors; Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers