Photos From: SB Nation, The Denver Post, The Athletic
Is it just me or does this season seem a little off? We got teams that were expected to be solid, that are botching it, and then we had teams that were expected to not make the cut, who are killing it. We are heading into the All-Star break, which means we are about at the halfway mark for this current season. For this article, I am going to be ranking my top three MVPs for this season, and who I believe should be named this season's Most Valuable Player. I would say as of right now, this MVP race is very up in the air, and could go in any direction. There is one player, who right now, ranks above everyone else for me, continue reading to find out…
Photo From: Orange County Register
3.LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers
25.8 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 7.8 APG
Without star Anthony Davis, the LA Lakers have been going through it. In their last 8 games, they went 2-6, losing four in a row. LeBron recently completed his eighth game this season with 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 4+ assists, as they lost to the impressive, Phoenix Suns. Considering Davis will be out for a couple more weeks with a calf strain, this stretch is important for James, as the rest of the Lakers will be very dependent on his play. I think that this All-star break was timed perfectly for LeBron and the Lakers. It's hard to not include LeBron in this MVP conversation, when we have seen an elite level of play through his 17th year, even advancing in some aspects such as his deep shooting. He is doing all he can for this team, team success is a big part of this decision, for LeBron's sake hopefully he returns from this break, refreshed and producing some wins.
Photo From: EssentiallySports
2. Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets
27.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 8.6 APG
As he led the Nuggets to their fourth straight win before the All-Star break, Jokic has 9 triple-doubles this season, which makes it his 50th of his career. Along with Wilt Chamberlin, Jokic is the only other center that has acquired 50 or more triple-doubles through their career, and it's safe to say that there will likely be a lot more as time continues. We have seen some inconsistency with this Nuggets this season, taken that they have had injuries and health and safety protocols, Jokic always seems to be that consistent factor that the Nuggets need currently putting them sixth in the west with a record of 21-15. For the Jokers MVP chances to grow, we are going to need to see the Nuggets climb in standings, and with about 36 games left, a lot can change.
Photo From: PhillyVoice
1.Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers
30.2 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.3 APG
This guy is going crazy, I mean I am not surprised. For years I have been telling everyone this man will be mind-blowing and his potential, where he can get, it's dangerous. We have been waiting to see this Embiid for a while now, absolutely spectacular on both ends of the floor, really challenging his matchups. With a true shooting percentage of 64.6%, and with 52% of his shots coming from the paint. I think that's my favorite part, he is a BIG MAN, he needs to play like a BIG MAN. He seriously couldn't be in a better position as he enters the All-Star break, leading the 76ers to a record of 24-12 as they lead all teams in the east. I should also add that the team's record without Embiid is 1-5, their record with Embiid, 23-7. I am not only very excited to see how Joel Embiid continues to do, but how the team itself does. With an atrocious away record last season, they have seemed to find their groove, can they keep it up? Can they finish this season leading the east?
Photo From:CBS Sports
Along with these three players Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), and Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers) also put up strong arguments for being in this MVP argument. We have a lot of seasons left, meaning these MVP predictions can look different as the season continues. With James Harden (Brooklyn Nets) moving up, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) being Giannis, I would not be surprised to see my top three looking different in a couple of weeks. Who is your MVP prediction? Do you think the 76ers will come out of the east on top? Can LeBron and the Lakers find their groove without Anthony Davis? Will Harden climb his way to the top? So many questions, that will all be answered with time, but for now, I am super excited for All-Star weekend! GO TEAM LEBRON!
