MVP Ladder 2/2/21

3. Nikola Jokic

The daddest man in the NBA is currently sitting with the bronze medal. Jokic is a joy to watch for everyone who is only good in the driveway but not on an actually court. He plays just like every dad who never takes it easy on his 1st grade son. Jokic has brought his offensive game to another level to start the 2020-2021 season. He is currently averaging a career high in PPG at 26.8 while shooting 38% from 3 on 3 attempts a game. His rebounding and assist numbers are also at a career high sitting at 11.8 and 8.6 respectively. He broke out all of the moves in his bag Sunday night giving 2 time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert 47 points and an L to chew on. His footwork makes him look like a nimble ballerina throwing up hook shots and floaters. Jokic may play like a dad, but his performances have him looking like SerbianPapi. Maybe we could get Jokic in a Drake video. Just running around throwing outlets passes.

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

2. Joel Embiid

If Jokic is the dad that always beat up on the kids in the driveway, Embiid is the uncle who’s actually athletic. Joel Embiid has been an absolute force on both ends of the court so far this season. He leads all centers in PPG with 28.3 and has been the biggest factor in the 76ers sitting at number 1 in the East so far. Coach Doc Rivers has finally convinced Embiid to stop shooting rainbow threes and back his caboose inside likes he’s Zach Randolph. Legendary caboose on Zach Randolph by the way. His three point attempts per game is at an all time low of 2.9, which has improved his outside shooting and opened driving lanes for himself and teammates. Being more selective with his shots has allowed Embiid to shoot over 40% from deep for the first time in his career. He is shooting 54% percent from the field, also a career high mark. His defensive rating of 102.8 per 100 possessions is tied for 4th in the league. Doc Rivers has gotten Embiid to be more selective and it is leading him to the best season of his career. If he wins MVP and Rihanna still doesn’t go on a date with him, the NBA should start a fully-fledge conspiracy investigation.

Photo by Alan Diaz/AP Photo

1. LeBron James

“From the most hated to the Champion god flow, I guess that’s a feeling only me and LeBron know.” Kanye wrote that line in 2012, and LeBron is STILL the best player in basketball. Let’s be honest, LeBron could win this award any year he wants. Let’s be honest again, if this was the Best Player in the League Award it would be incredibly anticlimactic because LeBron would have about 16 of them. He is coming off a season where he cemented himself even deeper into the GOAT conversation, which is a conversation I think he’ll lead by the time he retires. Hate on me old heads, it’s true. LeBron leads the defending champion and best team in the league in points per game and assists per game. His defensive rating currently sits at 105 per 100 possessions. LeBron’s tendency to not try on defense during the regular season has not been a problem this year. Or he’s so good that his half-ass defense is still top 10 in the league. Also he absolutely buried Courtside Karen on Monday night, so that’s always a bonus. This award is always LeBron’s to win, but when he’s really going for it, he’s the only person in real contention.