NBA MVP Power Rankings: Nikola Jokic Has Very Stiff Competition

Season Stats: 31.0 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 3.8 TOV, 56.4% FG, 50.0% 3-PT FG, 80.3% FT

Previous Ranking: 1st

Nikola Jokic continues to redefine what dominance looks like in the modern NBA. His absurd combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking has kept the Nuggets afloat despite their middling record. Averaging a near triple-double with over 30 points per game, Jokic has been nothing short of masterful.

What truly sets him apart is his efficiency—hitting 50% of his threes as a center while orchestrating the Nuggets' offense like a point guard. Denver's record needs to improve for him to secure his fourth MVP, but make no mistake, Jokic’s individual brilliance firmly places him in the driver's seat.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder (22-5)

Season Stats: 30.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.7 TOV, 50.8% FG, 33.5% 3-PT FG, 86.8% FT

Previous Ranking: 2nd

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated himself into superstardom and is powering the Thunder to one of the best records in the league. His two-way impact, marked by 30 points per game and elite defensive stats, has OKC looking like legitimate contenders. While his three-point shooting still leaves room for improvement, his ability to control the pace of the game and thrive in crunch time has made him indispensable.

With the Thunder’s dominance in the Western Conference, SGA is right on Jokic’s tail when it comes to the MVP award, much like last season. Some might argue that his team record should give him the edge over Jokic and the point guard might end up being in the driver’s seat once the New Year rolls around because of that. Until things start to change considerably, Jokic is still the man to beat.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks (15-12)

Season Stats: 32.7 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 3.4 TOV, 61.3% FG, 22.2% 3-PT FG, 61.4% FT

Previous Ranking: 4th 

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relentless energy and sheer physicality continue to overwhelm opponents, leading to yet another dominant statistical season as we all expected. However, the Bucks’ underwhelming record and his poor free-throw and three-point shooting percentages are blemishes on his campaign.

Despite those setbacks, Giannis’ ability to dominate the paint and carry his team on both ends of the floor remains unmatched. The superstar forward was the difference in the Emiraes NBA Cup and we expect him to try to build on that. If Milwaukee can find more consistency, Giannis’ case will be impossible to ignore.

4. Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics (22-6)

Season Stats: 28.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.8 TOV, 46.3% FG, 37.2% 3-PT FG, 80.3% FT

Previous Ranking: 3rd

Jayson Tatum has been the embodiment of consistency for the Celtics, anchoring their stellar season with his scoring and rebounding prowess. His ability to elevate his teammates while delivering in clutch moments has been pivotal to Boston’s success. While his shooting efficiency is solid but not spectacular, Tatum’s all-around game and leadership shine through.

As the Celtics remain atop the Eastern Conference, Tatum has positioned himself as a true MVP threat, capable of impacting the game in every facet. The only difference is that Jokic, SGA, and Giannis mean a little more to their teams than Tatum does, a testament to the Celtics’ tremendous talent pool.

5. Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks (18-10)

Season Stats: 28.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.2 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 3.5 TOV, 45.9% FG, 35.5% 3-PT FG, 76.6% FT

Previous Ranking: 8th 

Luka Doncic’s numbers this season highlight his brilliance. Averaging nearly 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, Doncic continues to showcase his ability to control games with his scoring and playmaking. Dallas' strong start bolsters his MVP argument, though questions linger about his defensive impact and efficiency.

Still, Luka’s ability to dominate offensively and make his teammates better solidifies his place among the league’s elite. The Mavericks are hell-bent on returning to the NBA Finals and depending on their performances so far, especially with Doncic leading the way, they look like a legitimate threat.

6. Karl-Anthony Towns - New York Knicks (18-10)

Season Stats: 24.5 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.7 TOV, 53.0% FG, 45.9% 3-PT FG, 84.4% FT

Previous Ranking: N/A 

Karl-Anthony Towns has thrived in his new home, becoming the centerpiece of a Knicks team that has a couple of talented star players. His double-double averages and incredible efficiency, particularly from deep, make him a unique weapon. While he’s not always the flashiest player, his impact on winning has been undeniable this season.

Towns’ resurgence with the Knicks is one of the best storylines of the year, and he’s earned his spot in the MVP conversation without a doubt. The Timberwolves have definitely shot themselves in the foot with the trade this summer, and Towns has ultimately thrived in his current situation as the league’s leading rebounder.

7. Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers (16-12)

Season Stats: 26.9 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.2 BPG, 2.3 TOV, 52.4% FG, 30.0% 3-PT FG, 78.1% FT

Previous Ranking: 5th 

Anthony Davis is once again proving why he’s one of the most dominant big men in the league. His ability to anchor the defense while putting up 27 points per game is a testament to his two-way greatness. However, durability remains a looming concern, and his inconsistent three-point shooting limits his versatility.

Still, with the Lakers performing well, Davis deserves recognition for his role in keeping them competitive. Credit has to go to JJ Redick for keeping the big man motivated to stay healthy and dominate the game like we know he can, and this could just be the start of Davis’ MVP campaign.

8. Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs (15-13)

Season Stats: 24.7 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.1 SPGM 3.8 BPG, 3.5 TOV, 47.8% FG, 34.9% 3-PT FG, 87.5% FT

Previous Ranking: N/A 

Victor Wembanyama’s second season has been nothing short of sensational. The Spurs phenom is averaging nearly 25 points with jaw-dropping defensive numbers, including a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game. His ability to impact the game on both ends at such a young age is astounding, and he’s already showing flashes of being the best two-way player in the world.

If the Spurs can stay in the playoff hunt, Wemby’s MVP buzz will only grow louder and this is just the start. The team has some pretty talented players around the superstar center and that would mean the Spurs could look forward to many more seasons of record above .500.

9. Trae Young - Atlanta Hawks (14-15)

Season Stats: 21.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 12.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 4.6 TOV, 39.0% FG, 32.0% 3-PT FG, 88.1% FT

Previous Ranking: N/A 

Trae Young’s season has been a mixed bag. While his playmaking is elite, leading the league in assists, his scoring efficiency is abysmal, with career-low shooting percentages. The Hawks’ struggles as a team also don’t help his case, but the difference has been the point guard’s tremendous clutch performances.

Young’s ability to create offense for himself and his teammates keeps him in the conversation, and his MVP stock is a direct representation of that. The Hawks are finding some excellent performances from Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter but Young is the undisputed star of the team and the team goes as he goes.

10. Donovan Mitchell - Cleveland Cavaliers (25-4)

Season Stats: 23.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.1 TOV, 45.2% FG, 40.5% 3-PT FG, 79.8% FT

Previous Ranking: 6th 

Donovan Mitchell continues to be the driving force behind the Cavaliers’ incredible start, leading the team with his scoring and timely defense. While his raw numbers may not pop compared to others on this list, his efficiency and ability to take over games in key moments make him invaluable.

With the Cavaliers boasting the best record in the league, Mitchell’s impact on winning cannot be overstated, keeping him firmly in the MVP race although credit has to be given to star Evan Mobley who is finally realizing his potential as a two-way big man.