NBA’s most valuable payer’s race is on with several A-lister stars making climbing the ladder to claim the highly recognized individual accolade. Players from different teams including Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic are in the race with the two being on the top. Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis has made his way in the latest list securing the 10th position.
As the NBA has released the updated ladder, here are the players that made it into the top 10 list.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The good times keep rolling for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the Thunder, fresh off a dominant win over the East-leading Cavaliers, show no signs of slowing down. Gilgeous-Alexander has scored under 30 points just twice this month. He currently leads the NBA in scoring and ranks third in steals.
The Thunder’s upcoming schedule provides a chance for even bigger numbers which would potentially create more space for the Thunder star to make his case even stronger. This season, he is currently averaging 31.6 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
2. Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić is currently managing an elbow injury, which has led to him shooting and scoring less for the Nuggets. However, he’s not worried, as his teammates are stepping up and relying less on his scoring. The Nuggets winning streak could provide Jokić, who is currently averaging 30.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.9 assists, a chance to win another MVP award.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo has been a leading fan vote-getter for the All-Star Game despite his lower average stats in the new year. Still, the Milwaukee Bucks forward is in the race fighting to climb to the top to win the award.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns
Currently, New York Knicks’ star Karl-Anthony Towns is not having a good time as he has been dealing with wrist and thumb injuries. However, his injuries are not serious enough to make him sit for long. Towns has been a tough contender in the list and has all the potential to make it to the top. He has climbed from last week’s 6th position to 4th.
5. Victor Wembanyama
Sadly, Victor Wembanyama has jumped from last week’s 4th position to the 5th in the updated list. But he is still in a good position. However, the San Antonio Spurs forward needs to work hard for himself and his team to make his case stronger or to remain on the list to be one of the topmost contenders.
6. Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is in 6th position. The 26-year-old power forward is currently averaging 27.7 points per game, 9.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 45.9 field goal percentage.
7. Donovan Mitchell
The star player of the Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell has also made his way into the list with a season average of 22.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. While he is among the promising NBA athletes to make it to the top, Mitchell has to work a lot to be in the top 5.
8. Alperen Sengun
22-year-old Turkish basketball star Alperen Sengun who is currently playing for the Houston Rockets is currently standing at the 8th position in the latest list. He is averaging 19.3 points per game, 10.4 rebounds and 5 assists.
9. Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham is on his A-game averaging 25.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in January. The Detroit Pistons star is certainly one of the most promising stars to be on the list with a huge fan following.
Also Read: Former NBA star slams Jimmy Butler amid his fallout with Pat Riley: “Be a professional”
10. Anthony Davis
Despite Los Angeles Lakers’ struggle this season, Anthony Davis has made his way into the list. The 31-year-old veteran power forward is averaging 25.8 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season.
Further, Jalen Brunson, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis, and Trae Young remain in the top 15 list.
