Giannis Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Gi
Jokic, Nikola
The two two-time MVPs are once again performing at an MVP level. Antetokounmpo had a difficult start to the season, but has since rediscovered his stride, scoring a career-high 64 points against the Indiana Pacers earlier this week. With him on the field, the Milwaukee Bucks are 15.6 points per 100 possessions better, and his two-way output, as evidenced by his 32 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, is a significant reason why.
Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has slowed in recent weeks compared to where he was earlier in the season. His numbers have declined due to two early-game contentious ejections, but he also had a couple of extremely terrible shooting games. This season, his efficiency is below average by his standards, but Denver’s net rating with him is +11.1, and they are 23.5 points per 100 possessions better with him than without him. He still has a solid case to be ranked as high as second on our list.
The very finest of the very best
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is number two.
1. Embiid, Joel
Gilgeous-Alexander, who had a breakout season last year, is still the finest two-way player in basketball. He led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 15-7 record when he was on the court, and they crush opponents when he is on the court, outscoring their opponents by 12.3 points per 100 possessions. In addition to his incredibly efficient 31 points per game, he contributes 2.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game and is an essential part of a successful defense. If he keeps this up, he’ll be in the top three all season.
For the fourth season in a row, it appears that Nikola Jokic’s main competitor in the MVP race will be Joel Embiid. Whatever one believes about the last three MVP elections and whether Jokic deserved to beat Embiid last season, the Sixers big man is playing his greatest basketball of his career. Much improved passing has propelled him into a league of his own, as he is averaging a career-high 6.1 assists per game on top of a monstrous 33.8 points per game. Philadelphia has a net rating of +13.3 and a 17-4 record with him on the court.
So far, Embiid has been a clear and deserving MVP, and Jokic has some catching up to do.