The NBA has a gigantic problem on its hands. And it’s the best problem anyone could’ve asked for. The NBA MVP 2023 race is off to a ridiculous start. The competition is wide open between 5-6 players right now. Jokic, Doncic, Tatum, Durant, Antetokounmpo, and Embiid have all been putting on shows and breaking records seemingly every week. It’s great news for the NBA obviously because that means the product is quality. The only downside is that only one player can win, leaving the rest with empty hands.
First off, leading the race right now and looking for a three-peat at MVP is Nikola Jokic. He doesn’t have the gaudy scoring lines most of these other players have, but he makes up for it everywhere else. Jokic has his Nuggets currently tied for first in the West while holding a stat line of 25.7 ppg, 10.8 RPG, 9.4 APG. The defending NBA MVP parades around his skill set night in and night out. His ability to score and pass as a big man is second to none.
Behind him, Jayson Tatum is putting up 31.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.0 apg and leading his Celtics in the East. In his last six games he’s been an absolute flame thrower. The Celtics have the best record in the league right now, and he’s the main reason why.
Luka Doncic has been a human highlight real posting 33.7 ppg, 8.8 RPG, 8.9 APG. He’s scored 50 and 60 points in two of his last three games. He’s leading the league in triple-doubles with eight. The main concern for him is whether can he produce like this for the whole season and can the Mavs win games. The Mavs are presently sitting at the five seed leaving room for improvement there.
Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid are getting it done at both ends of the floor. Durant is averaging 29.9 ppg, 6.9 RPG, 5.4 APG while tied for seventh in blocks (52). He just led the Nets to the second seed in the East and, moreover, are on a 10-game hot streak. Giannis has 31.7 ppg, 11.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, and just broke his own record for rebounds in a game. But the Bucks are slumping and have fallen in the standings. The addition of Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton should help both the Bucks and Giannis rise upon their return.
The only thing stopping Embiid right now is his lack of time on the court as he’s averaging 33.7 ppg, 9.7 RPG, 4.3 APG. He’s only played in 25 games this year and with him and James Harden out, the 76ers have been in the middle of the playoff pack.
There’s a lot of seasons left and the current playoff/NBA MVP 2023 races are without a doubt going to change. All of these players mentioned warrant at least a conversation to be had about the MVP hopes. There are even more waiting in the wings, not far from breaking into the conversation. We’re not even halfway through the wild ride so buckle up and enjoy the greatness unfolding. This season will be one for the record books.
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