Nikola Jokić’s huge 37-18-15 stat line has powered his historic start to 2024-25.
Some things change, and some things remain the same, like with our Kia MVP Ladder.
Let’s just say, that after an absence from the top spot in this season’s first installment, the reigning Kia MVP is right back where he … once belonged?
Nikola Jokić will probably remain at No. 1, where he finds himself this week, for quite some time if he maintains his current performance level or stays close enough. He has been that dominant for the Denver Nuggets, but again, hasn’t that always been the case over the last half-dozen years?
Keep an eye on another multiple MVP winner. That’s because No. 6 Stephen Curry, after an auspicious first few games, is percolating. He’s coming off a Klay Thompson-upstaging win and once again is the centerpiece for a Warriors team that’s hanging around first place in the West.
Setting the stage this week: The premier matchup Friday has Anthony Davis staring across from Victor Wembanyama when the Lakers meet the Spurs in a Group Play matchup in the Emirates NBA Cup (7:30 ET, ESPN). While Davis is among the scoring leaders and Wemby just dropped a 50-piece, this will feature two of the league’s best rim protectors and could turn into a block party. Reject this game at your own risk.
One stat to know: Jokić is the first player in NBA history to compile the following numbers after the first 10 games of a season: 297 points, 137 rebounds and 117 assists.
What they’re saying: “When I was an active player and I used to watch ex-players on TV and they’d say some wild things, I’d be like, ‘Come on, bro. You know better. You’ve been in this game.’ Yesterday, I said (Karl-Anthony Towns) was more skilled than Jokic. You know what? I’m real enough to admit I was wrong. I take responsibility for my wild take. I was trippin’.” — Former NBA player Lou Williams.
Last Ladder: No. 3
Season stats: 29.7 ppg, 13.7 rpg, 11.7 apg
His case: Aside from averaging a healthy triple-double, Joker has been a steady force despite the lineup changes within the Nuggets, who have dealt with missed games by Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray. No worries; Jokić can carry Denver to victory regardless of slumping or injured teammates. Hence, the scratches on his shoulders.
His 37-18-15 stat line against the Mavericks last Sunday — two days too late for consideration for the first installment of the Kia MVP Ladder — is the season’s gold standard. Honestly, it would stack up well against any non-Wilt triple-double. And it’s early. That’s what’s scary.
Last Ladder: No. 2
Season stats: 30.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 5.6 apg
His case: He was big in a pair of victories against the Nets over the last week, one in overtime, and is coming off a 36-10-9 effort a few days ago. Tatum remains very consistent this season, and that consistency remains high virtually across the board.
His spot in this Kia MVP Ladder next week could hinge mostly on what he does Tuesday in an Eastern showdown with the Cavaliers (7 ET, TNT), who remain undefeated and, from a win-loss standpoint, are the team to beat in the conference. That’s gotta get Tatum’s attention.
Last Ladder: No. 6
Season stats: 27.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.4 apg
His case: Bummer for Durant — a strained left calf will keep him benched for a few weeks, just as he was pressing the accelerator. Not only was he productive for the Suns pre-injury, but he averaged just shy of 39 minutes a night, his most since 2010-11. Pure durability is acknowledged and rewarded by an MVP race.
If Durant keeps up this performance pace when he returns, he’ll also get nods for the Kia Clutch Player of the Year Award. Durant came up big in most of the Suns’ seven crunch-time wins in the first few weeks, and in those situations, he led the league in points scored. Which raises a point about his value — Durant missed the last three games and the Suns lost two of them, one in overtime when they could’ve used his presence.
Last Ladder: No. 4
Season stats: 27.9 ppg, 6.3 apg, 1.8 spg
His case: He’s just days removed from a demolition of his former team, the Clippers, which was crammed with highlights and numbers — a career-high 45 points, nine assists and five steals.
Shai’s value to the Thunder and level of play now becomes more paramount because OKC will be without Chet Holmgren for at least eight weeks with a pelvic fracture. If that first game without Holmgren was an indication from SGA, the Thunder should be fine and Gilgeous-Alexander will remain in this MVP race. We’ll see right away, with upcoming games against Devin Booker and the Suns, then Luka Dončić and the Mavericks.
Last Ladder: No. 1
Season stats: 30.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.1 bpg
His case: Don’t read too much into his one-week tumble early in this MVP race. He missed one game because of a bum ankle and also suffered a scratched eye. But upon returning, his output was solid (21 points and nine rebounds over the last two games), just not at the level of his scorching start to the season.
No matter; Davis remains the best both-ends player in this top five. Not only is he averaging over 30 points but he’s No. 6 in blocks and No. 8 in rebounds. That level of balance must be respected for an award that should recognize 94-feet dominance.
6. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
8. Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
9. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
10. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
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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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