Now that we are moving into the midway part of the NBA season, it’s time to see how the MVP standings are shaking out. Last year’s NBA season proved to be challenging with the season stopping halfway through and picking up in a makeshift bubble in Orlando. This season is proving to be no different. So far, the NBA has failed to contain the coronavirus as many players and teams’ records are majorly impacted. How this will affect the MVP race and playoffs as a whole remains to be seen.
#1 Joel Embiid
It’s about time the big man gets the respect he demands. The 7 foot center from Cancun is set to lead the new-look Sixers to the promised land this year. With the direction of a new head coach and GM, the spacing has opened to allow Joel to do want he does best. Joel Embiid is averaging more than 25 points with 11.5 rebounds and 3 assists per game. The Sixers have one of the best records in the NBA (9-5) and the league’s best defense. All thanks to The Process. Shooting 56% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc sure helps.
#2 LeBron James
At 36, the King can still put on a show. LeBron James enters his 18th NBA season coming off one of the biggest accomplishments of his career. Even though many have considered the Lakers are taking it slow at the beginning of the year, LeBron James sure isn’t. The Lakers sit alone at the top of the NBA standings with the best record. At this late juncture in his career, LeBron James proves he is still the best to ever do it. James is averaging 24.1 ppg, 8.1 RPG, 7.7 apg.
#3 Luka Doncic
Luka had kind of a rocky start to the season, but since then has tried to turn the Mavs’ luck around. In his last game, Luka posted a near triple-double as they fell to the Bucks, 109-112. With Kristaps Porzingis back into the fold, it’s interesting to see how the Mavs will move forward. Despite season woes, Luka Doncic is posting great numbers. Doncic is averaging 28.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 9.4 apg.
#4 Paul George
Is this the return of MVPG? While Kawhi is seen as the leader of the Clippers, Paul George is the hammer. Many people seem to overlook Paul as a second fiddle to some of the more outstanding stars. The past 3 seasons have shown Paul has no intention of putting the ball down and walking away anytime soon. Paul George is averaging 24.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.1 apg.
#5 Nikola Jokic
Jokic seems to be playing some of the best basketball of his career. The two-time all-star is leading the league in assists with 10.4 per game. The only thing that could be holding Nikola Jokic back is the Nuggets’ recent struggles. The Denver Nuggets sit at 11th in the conference. Nikola Jokic is averaging 25.0 ppg, 11.4 rpg, and 10.3 apg.
