The NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, much like most MVP awards in professional sports, is predominantly a statistical reward focused on offense. Before clicking the NBA’s Kia MVP Ladder, I had already known that our lists would be a lot different. This NBA season as been as fun as any of them in recent memory. Stars have been shining brighter than ever. Let’s take a look at the NBA’s KIA MVP Ladder.
The top five this week in the 2018-19 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (26.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.3 blocks):
Antetokounmpo has been a phenom for the Bucks this season. They’re having the best season I’ve seen them have since I’ve been a die-hard NBA fan. Antetokounmpo has been at the center of all that. The only reason I think the NBA has him ahead of James is the team success, which does matter.
2. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (28.9 point, 8.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.4 steals):
As you guys know, James is still listed as the best player in the NBA, on my personal rankings. James has made the Lakers relevant again. Enough said?
3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (28.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 blocks):
Joel Embiid has climbed from 8th to 3rd on the NBA’s Kia MVP Ladder. I actually agree with the NBA on this one, (keep in mind Steph Curry hasn’t been healthy). Joel Embiid has given 76ers fans hope, which is something they really haven’t had since Allen Iverson. The NBA wishes every tanking team could land themselves a Joel Embiid. Changing a franchise’s culture is difficult, even for the best of vets. The young Joel Embiid has been a culture change for the Sixers since day one.
4. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers (26.4 points, 6.1 assists, 5.3 rebounds):
Many NBA fans around the league have been skeptical of the Trail Blazers after watching them get swept in last year’s playoffs. By the looks of it, no one was harder on Lillard and the Blazers than Lillard himself. He has come out guns blazing since day one. There’s a lot of fight in Lillard, but can he keep it up? We’ve never seen him go off like this before the all-star break before.
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (29.5 points, 6.1 assists, 5.0 assists):
Steph Curry is looking like MVP Steph once again. If he was healthy and playing more games, I bet he’d be top 3.
The Next Five
6. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors
7. Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
8. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
9. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
10. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Basically, the NBA is heavily weighing winning into their Kia MVP Ladder equation. Lowry and Conley Jr. have been at the center of their respective teams over performing. Leonard is back. Kemba Walker is red hot right now. Anthony Davis is on another level. I’m curious to see how Kevin Durant feels about not making the list.
What are your thoughts on Harden, Irving, Westbrook, and Alex Abrines not making the list?