The NBA MVP award has been won by Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets in back-to-back seasons, which is a remarkable accomplishment. Only three players—Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird—have won three consecutive championships. Is Jokic comparable to that?
In the 2022–23 season, The Joker will compete against a long list of both established and up-and-coming players who hope to take his championship, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, and Luka Doncic, and many others.
With that being said, we dive into our NBA MVP standings below as the regular season is already halfway through.
Luka Doncic
Even though he hasn't yet won MVP, Doncic is currently the front-runner. The Dallas Mavericks may not have the greatest record in the NBA, but that isn't Doncic's fault. Every game, he carries his team. Doncic, who has five triple-doubles in the NBA, is the clear favorite to take home the Maurice Podoloff Trophy (MVP). Only one player, Luka Doncic, averages more than 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists each game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Nobody else in the NBA really compares to Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak, who is seven feet tall, moves like a deer and makes his way to the basket with such strength and skill that we simply haven't seen him very frequently. Because everyone else is too tiny and genuine centers aren't quick enough, he is a nightly mismatch. Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, may soon add to his collection of awards as the Milwaukee Bucks hold one of the NBA's finest records.
Nikola Jokic
The Joker has been on fire this season, virtually averaging a triple-double while leading his team in almost every statistical category, and the Nuggets are starting to find their stride. Jokic's scoring output, however, has decreased as a result of the signing of Michael Porter Jr. and the return of Jamal Murray to the roster. He is not higher on this list of MVP contenders mostly because of that.
Jayson Tatum
Tatum, who is already regarded as one of the top two-way athletes in basketball, is stepping up his performance in the early going. His scoring average is almost four points more than it was the previous year when he led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals, and he is blocking twice as many shots while also fouling less. Simply, Tatum is giving new coach Joe Mazzulla his all on the court.
Stephen Curry
Curry has been a major factor in Golden State's recent success, scoring 31.7 points per game on average, and has helped the team win eight of its last 11 games. For now, just take in the fact that the 6' 2" "Baby-Faced Assassin" is managing to grab 6.7 rebounds a game.
Donovan Mitchell
Mitchell, who is ecstatic to be in a new place, has propelled himself into the MVP debate by hitting an absurd 41% from three despite taking nine attempts per game. He should be on the road to his first All-NBA season in his six-year career as the Cleveland Cavaliers are playing as one of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with his length and athleticism, is a problem for opposing defenses. He ranks third in scoring and averages about two steals and more than a block per game. He is the upcoming big star in the NBA.
Anthony Davis
While Davis is still excellent, the Los Angeles Lakers as a whole are not. Few players have as much of an influence on defense as Anthony Davis, who not only blocks a lot of shots but also enters passing lanes for thefts. Davis also leads the NBA in rebounds. It isn't difficult to envision "The Brow" as a long shot NBA MVP candidate when his point totals are north of 25 per game.
Devin Booker
Booker has risen up to take the reins as the team's leader as Chris Paul has retreated due to injury and age (37). He is leading the Suns to first place in the West and averaging a new career best in points per game. Booker's MVP odds will rise if they continue to have one of the top records in the league.
Ja Morant
Morant was a favorite to win his first NBA MVP award before the season even started. He hasn't quite put up that kind of energy on the court, but he was already among the best basketball players in his early years. Although he is still a ton of fun to watch, he hasn't exactly improved in his fourth season yet.
Final Thoughts
Even after just 10 games, the MVP race has heated up as the league's talent is on full display. Before our very eyes, rising stars are becoming household names, and a few unexpected names have entered the race as well. While expected contenders are having trouble getting off to a strong start, there are teams vying at the top of the standings.
The NBA hasn't experienced this level of competitive parity in the past twenty years, and the future has never been more promising. Who do you think will win this year’s NBA MVP Award?
