NBA MVP Power Rankings: Stephen Curry Is The Favorite, Kevin Durant And Giannis Antetokounmpo Follow Him Closely
The MVP race is heating up this season, as a couple of players have distinguished themselves as the best talents in the world at this moment. While some players such as James Harden and Anthony Davis have disappointed, it seems that NBA rule changes have affected them. Harden and Davis are not in the MVP race this season because of their inconsistencies, and even the likes of Damian Lillard and Trae Young have not been as effective as prior seasons. Of course, Kyrie Irving’s absence from the NBA has not been positive either.
Despite some of these superstars’ struggles, some players are performing at or above their status as great talents. Some lesser talents such as Montrezl Harrell have surprised many with their effective play, putting up 16.7 PPG and 8.5 RPG off the Washington Wizards’ bench. But the below 10 stars have been spectacular all season long and have created quite a distinction from themselves and others in the league. Without further ado, here are the updated MVP power rankings.
10. Paul George
Credit: USA TODAY Sports
2021-22 NBA Stats: 25.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
It was expected that Paul George would be in the MVP conversation as Kawhi Leonard rehabs a serious injury. With George putting up All-Star numbers, the Los Angeles Clippers are in strong seeding in the Western Conference as they look to make the playoffs no matter what. PG13 is at his offensive best while also doing his part on defense, as he looks to guide a decent roster in a tough West without Los Angeles’ best player on the court.
George has done a fantastic job leading the likes of Reggie Jackson, Eric Bledsoe, and Ivica Zubac to a strong record. It is obvious that the Clippers are not going anywhere without Leonard, so as long as George keeps his team as competitive as they have been, the 7-time All-Star will be in the MVP conversation and it will be well-deserved.
9. Zach LaVine
2021-22 NBA Stats: 25.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The Chicago Bulls are one of the best teams in the NBA, and their franchise cornerstone Zach LaVine is at the heart of it. Chicago currently holds the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference and are hot on the heels of the Brooklyn Nets for the top seed. The 2-time Dunk Contest champion is having another All-Star season, and if he guides the Bulls to a top-2 seed in the East, he will be in the MVP conversation all year.
Unfortunately for LaVine, playing alongside DeMar DeRozan will take away from his MVP votes throughout the year. While Zach will be the first to admit that individual accolades pale in comparison to winning an NBA title, it would be nice for the 26-year-old to be in MVP talks because of his spectacular play on offense.
8. Luka Doncic
CBS Sports
2021-22 NBA Stats: 25.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Dallas is not scaring anybody yet, which is why Luka’s MVP chances are not as high as they should be. In terms of a player’s value, Luka has an argument for being a top-5 candidate. Without him, the Mavericks are not a playoff team and are probably in the lottery. After all, the Mavericks rely on Luka to do almost everything on the floor from scoring to creating for others.
Doncic is putting up MVP-caliber numbers as usual, and he has the Mavericks above .500 in the Western Conference with top-5 seeding. Dallas has had enough of getting bounced in the first round it seems, and Luka will do his best to help his team climb the standings. The Mavericks are still waiting on Kristaps Porzingis to return to superstar form, but it seems those New York Knicks days are over, which could hurt Dallas’ chances in the postseason.
7. Jimmy Butler
2021-22 NBA Stats: 23.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jimmy Butler fits with the Miami Heat like a hand in a glove. Butler has helped the Heat become title contenders for the first time since the LeBron James days, and he was the driving force behind their Finals run in 2020. The swingman probably plays harder than anyone else in the NBA and is proud of that image. He has destroyed all rumors of being a bad teammate and has proven to be one of the best leaders on the court.
In the locker room, it is obvious what Butler’s impact has been. The presence of Butler has elevated the likes of All-Star Bam Adebayo and helped the team capture the signing of former NBA champion Kyle Lowry this offseason. Butler has impacted the Eastern Conference with a vengeance, and Miami are currently 3rd with a chance to possibly top the East in due time. Without Butler, Miami are hardly a playoff team but with him, they are a dark horse to make the NBA Finals.
6. DeMar DeRozan
Credit: Slam Online
2021-22 NBA Stats: 25.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Alongside Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan has helped the Chicago Bulls return to title contention. DeRozan has been just as impressive as LaVine, if not more impressive because he is putting up the highest scoring average of his career since the 2017 season (27.3 PPG). The scoring swingman is also playing clutch basketball, making shots when his team needs them most, and also acting as a veteran leader for the group.
While Chicago has also added the likes of Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso this year, DeRozan has been the best player on the team and his numbers properly reflect that. It is obvious that DeMar wants to gain the credit he feels he deserves for being a bonafide star in the league, and he is in the MVP conversation as a result of that.
5. Chris Paul
Valley of the Suns
2021-22 NBA Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 10.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Chris Paul is once again proving to be one of the best point guards ever, putting up a double-double at 36 years old. Even if Devin Booker is the stand-out scorer on the team, Paul’s leadership is what the Phoenix Suns need to grab a 17-3 record in the Western Conference. Remember, Paul was the driving force for Phoenix to make the Finals last year and they have a chance to do that again this year.
Paul was seemingly off the radar a few years ago, but he has bounced back with a vengeance since joining Phoenix. The “Point God” makes the correct decisions on the floor and will help the likes of Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges reach higher levels as players. Thanks to Paul, the Suns are right on the tails of the Golden State Warriors for the top seed in the West which bodes well for the point guard’s MVP chances.
4. Nikola Jokic
via USA Today Sports
2021-22 NBA Stats: 26.2 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Nikola Jokic was easily in the top-3 MVP race before his injury, although he looks like he is healthy again after dropping 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in Denver’s victory over the Miami Heat. The big man is easily the best center in the league right now and is incredibly skilled as a passer, ball-handler, and shooter. Jokic is also developing a mean streak and actually does not need his brothers on the court to become an angrier player.
Jokic is a special talent who is the best passing center of all time, even if Wilt once lead the league in assists. The Serbian superstar is at the core of everything that Denver does, and his return against a title contender last night showed how much his impact is worth. Nikola does not need much room to operate in the post, and also has the ability to drain contested shots over defenders. The big man will be in the MVP race this year, and he will help Denver get closer to title contention.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2021-22 NBA Stats: 27.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.8 BPG
The Greek Freak is healthy, confident, and able to carry the Milwaukee Bucks to top seeding in the Eastern Conference when the team gets clicking again. Giannis is putting up his standard double-double and is looking more comfortable with the ball in his hands which is a scary thing for opponents. Antetokounmpo is starting to control the pace of games and is always making the right plays on both ends of the floor.
In terms of two-way dominance, it is hard to argue against Giannis being the best player on the floor. He combines skill, height, and athleticism with an excellent basketball IQ every night. The Bucks are fortunate to have a player of Giannis’ magnitude and they have taken advantage in recent years by helping Khris Middleton reach All-Star status and re-energize Jrue Holiday to play some of the best defense in the league. With Giannis, the Bucks will likely climb the Eastern Conference standings and that bodes well for the superstar forward’s MVP chances.
2. Kevin Durant
New York Post
2021-22 NBA Stats: 28.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Kevin Durant is playing out of his mind right now, and he might be playing the best basketball of his career since returning from his Achilles injury. Durant is putting up 28.6 PPG on 54.8% from the field, 41.1% from three, and 85.4% from the free-throw line. The superstar small forward is scoring the ball at will and leading the Brooklyn Nets to the best record in the Eastern Conference despite the absence of Kyrie Irving and the subpar play of James Harden.
Durant is playing his best ball in terms of efficiency and is back to his absolute best following last year’s dominance. Had Durant not gotten injured, he might have been the MVP last year and has a chance to compete for his second MVP Award this year. The only issue has been Harden’s subpar play because without The Beard playing like an MVP candidate himself, the Nets could be in trouble of holding onto the best record in the East and even winning the NBA title this year.
1. Stephen Curry
USATSI
2021-22 NBA Stats: 28.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
At this moment of time, Stephen Curry is not only the favorite for the MVP Award but also the best player in the game. The point guard is unstoppable from three, nailing 42.3% from three and putting up 28.6 PPG. Steph cannot be contained by any opponent and is playing with a killer attitude. He is not letting anything prevent him from taking over games, whether that comes in the form of double-teams or even referee technical fouls. In a nutshell, Steph is on fire and it is amazing to watch.
The superstar point guard has the Golden State Warriors on top of the league with an 18-2 record and a 7-game winning streak. Thanks to Curry’s presence as a scorer and a leader, the Warriors are playing with unrivaled confidence at the moment. What is even more amazing is how Klay Thompson is not even on the court, meaning Steph is doing it by himself with help from Draymond Green and a host of hard-nosed role players.
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