Nikola Jokic tops usual contenders, budding star on early-season NBA MVP leaderboard

With six 30-point games so far, Jokic's season-best came when he dominated the Los Angeles Clippers to the tune of 55 points, 12 boards and six assist on Nov. 12. 

As long as the Denver Nuggets stay near the top of the Western Conference and Jokic stays healthy, it will be difficult to envision a scenario in which he doesn't claim his fourth MVP. 

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 

The reigning MVP is in the running to win again, though his team's success may cost him opportunities.  

Despite often sitting out fourth quarters as the 15-1 Oklahoma City Thunder steamroll opponents of all kinds, Gilgeous-Alexander is still performing at a level that will keep him in the conversation all year.

Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging a staggering 32.0 points per game while also adding averages of 5.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists as well. Besides Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander will also have to overcome Oklahoma City fatigue from voters who may start holding being on the league's best team and a possible dynasty against him. 

3. Luka Doncic 

Some might be surprised Doncic has never won an MVP, especially since he's been an All-NBA First Team selection five times by age 26. 

But Doncic's role as the new face of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise may provide him his best shot to contend for the top individual accolade during a season LeBron James has already missed 14 games. 

If Doncic can keep Los Angeles in the hunt, as it is currently 11-4 and in fourth place in the West, and keep showing off his true potential — he's lost weight and the best shape of his career — there's no reason why he won't have a shot to not only get votes, but take over as the leader of the pack.

4. Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons star returned from a three-game absence earlier in the week, but it's impossible to ignore how much his stock has been on the rise this season. 

As if leading Detroit back to the playoffs wasn't enough to put him on the map, Cunningham, 24, has been taking his game to another level this fall. 

Cunningham has averages of 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 9.9 helpers in 12 games. He's also shooting 43.6% from the field as the leader of a 13-2 Pistons team that sits as the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference. 

Cunningham even represents a shift from an era that's focused so much on long-range shooting, connecting on just 27.5% from three despite his high scoring average. 

An honorable mention goes to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is expected to miss about two weeks with a left groin strain.