The 2022-23 MVP race might be defined by how much value voters put into team success. There are several candidates putting up historical numbers on below-average teams, while we have a group of stars from top-tier teams showing their individual dominance. Nobody since 1976 has won the MVP while being on a team not in the playoffs. It's safe to say these candidates need to get their teams into the playoffs at minimum. There wasn't much movement this week, but the race remains as heated as ever. My Week 6 MVP Ladder :
The Next 5 (In no order): Ja Morant, Joel Embiid, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell
5. Nikola Jokic
Season Stats: 22.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 8.8 APG, 62.1 FG%, 12-7 Record
The two-time reigning MVP has somewhat flown under the radar so far this season, but not anymore. The Joker had a monster week which saw him put up three double-doubles, including a massive 39/10/9 performance against the Thunder. Denver is near the top of the Western Conference standings and finally looks ready for a playoff run. Nikola's presence may be quiet off the court, but it speaks volumes on it. Jokic is currently second in the NBA in plus/minus, and he does everything for this Nuggets team. While I don't think he has a realistic shot at winning a third consecutive MVP, his name deserves to be mentioned.
4. Steph Curry
Season Stats: 31.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 7.1 APG, 52.2 FG%, 11-10 Record
By the greatest shooter of all time's standards, it was a down week for Curry. Steph's "down" week still produced averages of 26.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 7.0 APG, on 48.3% shooting. More important than Curry's stats was the Warriors ability to grind out three wins in a row, something they had not done all year. As Golden State begins to right the ship we may see Steph's numbers take a bit of a dip, but his MVP candidacy should not. Steph is putting up better numbers in every single statistical category compared to his unanimous MVP season in 2015-16. He is on pace for a 50/40/90 season, a feat that has only been accomplished by nine players. It seems as if Steph has entered a second prime, and might have a shot at his third MVP.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Season Stats: 30.9 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 5.4 APG, 52.9 FG%, 14-5 Record
I mentioned last article how we should look for a big week from Giannis, and boy did he deliver. The Greek Freak had arguably his best week of the season, with averages of 34.6 PPG, 10.3 RPG, and 5.6 APG. He was back to being the dominant force we are so accustomed to seeing. His free throw shooting is trending upwards, which seems to spark confidence in the rest of his game. Despite all the injuries Milwaukee is cruising near the top of the East, and looks like the contender we all expected. Giannis will continue to have chances to make his case for MVP this week as the Bucks have their easiest stretch of the season. By this time next week, he might be in the lead.
2. Jayson Tatum
Season Stats: 30.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 47.7 FG%, 16-4 Record
The Celtics star kept rolling this week as he averaged 31.6 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and 5.3 APG in 3 games. Tatum is the leader of a Boston team that sports the best offense since the NBA/ABA merger. He had a showdown with fellow MVP candidate Luka Doncic on Wednesday, and promptly dropped 37 and 13 in the victory. Tatum continues to show up on the big stages, something that is key to winning an MVP. He continues to be one of the best two-way stars in the league and has a big stretch of games coming up that could further cement his MVP campaign.
1. Luka Doncic
Season Stats: 33.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.4 APG, 50.4 FG%, 9-10 Record
The only thing keeping Luka from running away and hiding with this MVP is his team. The Mavs currently sit one game under .500, and out of the playoff race. But, Luka has been so good that it hasn't mattered yet. He is having one of the best statistical seasons ever. Doncic is a walking triple-double who is capable of single-handedly destroying your defense. We are almost a quarter of the way through the season, and it seems like these numbers are sustainable for Luka, but he needs to find a way to get Dallas into the playoffs in order to win MVP.
Stay tuned for my weekly MVP Ladder every Monday morning!
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