NBA: Early MVP Favorites

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Nikola Jokic the NBA MVP frontrunner this season has been going off.

The NBA season has been rolling so far with many teams surprising us, and some just dropping the ball with things not going as expected. It may be different this season, but there have been 5 players so far this season who are proving they are worthy of the MVP award. They have really shown their talent this season putting up very high numbers in certain stat categories.

 

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: The 6’11 Serbian Center on the Denver Nuggets has been surprising everyone this season putting up monster numbers, and averaging a near triple-double this season. He has helped the Nuggets to a 12-11 record earning the 6th seed in the West. It was less than expected, but let’s take a look at his stats. He is putting up 26.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. He is currently shooting 31% (2nd) from the field for Denver. If he continues to put up dominant stats like these he could earn the 2021 MVP.

 

2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid and Philly have been something else this season. Joel Embiid has really shown up for the 76ers this season averaging 29.1 points and 11 rebounds averaging a double-double. With the help of star guard Ben Simmons, they are currently holding the 1st spot in the Eastern Conference with an 18-7 record. If they keep this up not only will they make playoffs easily, but also have a shot at giving Embiid MVP this season.

 

3. Lebron James, Los Angeles Lakers: The 36-year old Los Angeles Lakers star is still doing amazing, and playing like he was when he was younger. He still is able to put up ferocious numbers and do everything he was able to do when he was 25. Lebron James currently averages 25.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.9 assists. James has a very talented roster around him in Anthony Davis and many more. The Lakers are currently 20-6 holding the 2nd seed in the West.

 

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: The two-time reigning NBA Mvp is back in the top 5 for the Mvp Race. The Bucks haven’t been as unstoppable as they have been suffering some tough losses, but are still decent due to Giannis. He is putting up 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. They have a solid record currently 16-9 and 2nd seed in the East.

5. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard another Los Angeles star is in the MVP race, but with a few months to go he could grab the MVP trophy. Leonard has been doing pretty well this season posting up 26.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. He is a very good defensive player which contributes to the reason why the Clippers are a top defensive team. With the addition of Paul George, the Clippers are a top contender with an 18-8 record and 3rd in the West.