Nikola Jokić’s strong showing vs. Anthony Davis and the Lakers further strengthens his early Kia MVP case.
We’re always open to new arrivals breaking into the Top 5 for our Kia MVP Ladder, but what happens when the regular five are stubborn?
Well, that means no changes this week for those top spots on the ladder — for the first time this season.
It also speaks about the standard being set, starting with Nikola Jokić, the reigning Kia MVP and still No. 1 through Thanksgiving. We’re talking about established, proud and productive players who are fiercely competitive and continue to set a high bar for themselves and their teams.
They’re not only being judged every week but also their body of work through the season so far. In that sense, the pace they’ve set is a strong one and necessary one — because others, such as Kevin Durant, will challenge them not only next week but the rest of the season.
It’s a long-winded way of saying … stay tuned.
Anyway, we move.
Setting the stage this week: They were teammates twice — with the Warriors for a pair of championships, with Team USA in Paris this summer for Olympic gold — and now friendly rivals again. That means expect a show from Durant and Stephen Curry (if knee soreness doesn’t prevent Curry from missing a second straight game) when the Suns and Warriors meet Saturday (9 p.m. ET, NBA TV). Durant and Curry share three MVPs between them (from 2013-16) and are contenders once again after all these years. Greatness is always slow to fade away.
One stat to know: The true worth of a player’s value is obviously how much he means to the bottom line — winning. In that sense, how about Durant this season? The Suns are 9-2 when he plays. Feast or famine.
What they’re saying: “Shaq, you know what’s weird about Wemby? He’s like the only person in San Antonio that can’t gain weight.” — Charles Barkley, on Victor Wembanyama (No. 7 this week).
Last Ladder: No. 1
Season stats: 29.7 ppg, 13.1 rpg, 10.6 apg
His case: After a signature 34-point, 13-rebound effort in a win over the Lakers, “The Joker” and the Nuggets had a momentary stumble and were humbled in a blowout loss to the Knicks.
Afterward, Nuggets coach Michael Malone challenged him to respond, and Jokić did so with a 30-point takedown of the Jazz. He remains among the league leaders in points, rebounds and assists while being tied for 17th in steals.
Last Ladder: No. 2
Season stats: 28.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 5.8 apg
His case: Another steady week for Tatum secures the runner-up position for now. The only drawback was his efficiency as he missed all 10 of his 3-pointers in a win over the Wizards.
Even when he struggles with his shooting, Tatum manages to find other ways to contribute. His rebounding average is high for a small forward, and over his last five games, he’s nearly averaging a double-double.
Last Ladder: No. 3
Season stats: 29.2 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 1.9 bpg
His case: He had a humbling matchup against Jokić last week when he shot poorly, scored just 14 points and delivered his first substandard game of the season in a loss to the Nuggets. That it happened against the MVP favorite only magnified that situation.
Still: Davis followed up with a pair of double-doubles and overall this season is impacting both ends of the floor far better than most. He’d better watch out, though, because No. 4 on this list is threatening a takeover.
Last Ladder: No. 4
Season stats: 32.4 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 6.4 apg
His case: Antetokounmpo exits Thanksgiving as the league’s leading scorer, making 60% of his shots on high volume, which is incredibly impressive. In the two games since the last Ladder, he scored 69 points combined with 21 rebounds to lead the Bucks’ seasonable comeback from a 2-8 start.
The schedule gets easier; between now and Jan. 10, Milwaukee only has two games against teams (Boston and Cleveland) currently with a winning record. If the Bucks keep surging, their win-loss record won’t be held against Giannis anymore.
Last Ladder: No. 5
Season stats: 29.5 ppg, 6.4 apg, 1.7 spg
His case: Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 or more points in four of his last five games, proving his high-level consistency is thriving. It doesn’t hurt that OKC remains at the top of the West, partly helped by Shai’s 35 points Wednesday to hold off the No. 3 Warriors.
He failed to score at least 20 points only once this season, and that came in an easy win over the Spurs where OKC really didn’t need much from him.
6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
7. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
9. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
10. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
And five more (listed alphabetically): Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks; De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks; Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic Magic
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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