Sixers MVP ladder: Can Joel Embiid overcome injury?

NBA MVP candidate #1: Nikola Jokic

Any lingering doubts have been thoroughly silenced — Nikola Jokic is one of the best in the business. While Denver has been slightly disappointing overall, the Nuggets are only one game out of fourth place in the cutthroat West. Jokic has elevated a collection of inconsistent and underperforming players all season long, and it could result in another deep playoff run.

In 47 games, Jokic has averaged 26.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists on .571/.425/.867 shooting splits. Even when Embiid was healthy, Jokic (and to a lesser extent, LeBron) was his main competition in this awards race. Now, it’s the Joker’s race to lose. Or, the necessary caveat — it should be Jokic’s to lose.

Both Harden and Giannis, not to mention Embiid and Lillard, have strong claims to the throne. Even so, it’s borderline impossible not to list Jokic at No.1 right now. His impact on the game offensively is unlike any other 7-footer. He’s not only one of the NBA’s most gifted facilitators, but he has developed into a top-tier individual scorer. What Jokic lacks in quickness and athleticism, he makes up for with unrivaled craft and timing.

Jokic can carry the Nuggets as a scorer or as a playmaker. His light-speed decisions and 360-degree court vision make it nearly impossible for defenses to fully contain him. He can make every pass in the book, and then some. With his size, his deep shooting range, and a bag full to the brim with nifty step-backs and side-steps, even the best one-on-one defenders find themselves victims of a clever move.

Also of note is Jokic’s defense, which isn’t close to the weakness some make it out to be. In fact, he’s a rather good defender, averaging 1.6 steals per game — seventh in the NBA — and using his stocky frame to stonewall attempts at the rim. He is, as of now, your 2020-21 MVP.