NBA MVP Ladder

We are already in Week 3 of the NBA season which means there’s a handful of early MVP candidates.

All stats and results are accurate through games played on Thursday, Nov. 9.

5. Jayson Tatum, SF, Boston Celtics

Tatum has led the way for the Celtics, who are currently holding the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Despite only scoring 16 points in Tuesday’s loss to the 76ers, Tatum has been nothing short of excellent to start the season. Tatum has averaged 28.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 53.7% from the field.

Tatum appeared in the conversation for MVP in years past, but this may be the best start of the 25-year-old's career.

It’s likely the Celtics will still hold one of the best records in the league come April, and if Tatum stays this efficient, he will surely be one of the favorites to take home the award.

4. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers

The reigning MVP has not slowed down to start the season. Embiid has the Sixers as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference after knocking off the Celtics on Tuesday.

Embiid currently leads the league in scoring with 31.7 points, shooting an efficient 53%. He has also averaged 10.9 rebounds along with 5.9 assists and two blocks.

Embiid had a phenomenal game against the Washington Wizards on Monday, scoring an unbelievable 48 points on 68% shooting in only 31 minutes of play. He also was a defensive anchor against the Celtics, racking up four blocks.

If the Sixers continue their early success and Embiid continues to put up these amazing numbers, there’s a high chance the Cameroonian superstar can win back-to-back MVP awards.

3. Stephen Curry, PG/SG, Golden State Warriors

The two-time MVP and greatest shooter of all time is arguably having his best start to a season in his 15th year in the NBA.

Curry has carried the Warriors to a 6-3 record on the back of his 30 points and 4.2 assists while shooting 51.2%. In no surprise, he’s also leading the league in 3-pointers, shooting an incredible 47.3% from behind the arc.

Chef Curry scored 34 points and knocked down seven threes en route to a win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

The 35-year-old has an opportunity to snag his third MVP if he leads the Warriors to a successful season and continues his hot start.

2. Luka Doncic, PG/SG/SF, Dallas Mavericks

Don’t look now, but the young Slovenian star has officially stamped himself among the league’s best. Doncic has the Dallas Mavericks as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, and the Mavericks appear to be one of the best teams in the league.

In Wednesday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors, Doncic notched 31 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out eight assists and had four steals.

Doncic has averaged 31.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists.

There have been flashes of Doncic being a top-five player in the NBA, such as his exceptional 2021 playoff run when he led Dallas to the Western Conference finals. However, the start of this season has truly imprinted his name among the cream of the crop.

If the Mavericks continue their pace of having one of the best records in basketball, Doncic will be a sure lock as an MVP finalist in the spring.

1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets

It’s hard to find the words for how good Jokic has truly been over the last three seasons. The two-time MVP brought the Nuggets their first championship last season, and he’s on pace to lead them right back to the promised land.

The Nuggets possess the best record in the NBA at 8-1. Opposing teams can’t find a way to slow down Jokic with his guard-like skills as a 7-footer. When teams double Jokic, he simply dishes out amazing passes to his open teammates.

Jokic has averaged nearly a triple-double with 29.1 points, 12.9 rebounds and eight assists. He’s also shooting the rock at an almost unstoppable rate of 62.2%.

In Wednesday’s win over the Golden State Warriors, Jokic recorded 35 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.

The Joker may be snubbed because of voter fatigue, but he’s certainly on track to possibly win his third MVP.

Honorable Mentions

Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers

Kevin Durant, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG, Oklahoma City Thunder

Ashley Beres is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email akb6783@psu.edu.