Nikola Jokic Leads the MVP Rankings: Reasons Why Steph Curry and LeBron James’ Ranks Will Shock You
As the 2024 NBA season progresses, the MVP race is heating up with Nikola Jokic at the top of the leaderboard. The Denver Nuggets center, a two-time MVP winner, has once again proven why he’s considered one of the most dominant forces in the league. However, this season’s MVP rankings also present some surprises, particularly when it comes to the positions of Steph Curry and LeBron James. Their lower-than-expected rankings have raised eyebrows and sparked plenty of debates across the NBA community.
Nikola Jokic: A Case for the MVP Lead
Nikola Jokic has continued to showcase why he’s arguably the most complete player in the NBA. The Serbian big man is once again putting up gaudy numbers, combining scoring, passing, and rebounding at a level few players can match. As of late November, Jokic is averaging 25.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game, all while maintaining an efficient shooting percentage of 57% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc.
Jokic’s exceptional passing ability for a center remains his defining characteristic. His vision on the court is unparalleled, often finding teammates with pinpoint accuracy. The Nuggets’ offensive success has largely been fueled by his creativity, and the team has an impressive 13-4 record, solidifying their position near the top of the Western Conference.
But it’s not just about numbers. Jokic’s impact on the game transcends traditional statistics. His ability to control the tempo and make his teammates better is a major reason why he is once again leading the MVP race. With MVP voters consistently rewarding players who elevate their team’s play and win games, Jokic’s all-around contributions make him a natural frontrunner.
Steph Curry: Ranking Lower Than Expected
While Jokic is thriving at the top, another fan-favorite, Steph Curry, is ranked significantly lower than expected in the MVP race. Curry, who has revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting and led the Golden State Warriors to several championships, currently sits outside the top 5 in MVP voting.
Why is this the case? Despite his individual brilliance, Curry has struggled with consistency this season. Averaging 28.6 points per game, Curry’s scoring remains elite, but the Warriors have faced challenges in maintaining a strong team record. With the team’s recent struggles, including injuries to key players and chemistry issues on both ends of the floor, Curry’s MVP chances have taken a hit.
Moreover, Curry’s usual high shooting percentages have dipped slightly, with his field goal percentage hovering around 46% and his three-point shooting dropping to 38%. These fluctuations, combined with Golden State’s underwhelming record, have led many to believe Curry’s MVP campaign may not be as strong as in previous years, despite his individual brilliance. For MVP voters, winning games remains a major factor, and the Warriors’ lack of overall success may be costing Curry valuable points in the rankings.
LeBron James: The Shocking Decline
Perhaps the most surprising ranking in the MVP race is that of LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers’ star, who continues to defy Father Time, has been playing at an incredibly high level for his age. Averaging 24.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, LeBron remains one of the most versatile players in the league.
However, what’s shocking is how far LeBron has fallen in the MVP rankings. Despite his strong individual play, the Lakers have struggled to establish consistent team chemistry, and their record has been inconsistent. This has led to a surprising drop in LeBron’s MVP stock. While he continues to play at an elite level, the MVP race is about both individual performance and team success, and the Lakers have yet to fully put things together.
Additionally, with LeBron now in his 22nd season, there’s a sense that voters are increasingly skeptical about awarding the MVP to a player in his mid-30s, despite his continued excellence. While LeBron’s influence on the court is undeniable, the narrative around his MVP candidacy has shifted. The perception is that the Lakers are not in championship contention as they once were, and that has hurt LeBron’s chances at another MVP award.
The Surprising Shift in the MVP Narrative
The MVP race this season is a fascinating one, and the rankings of Curry and LeBron show how the narrative around player awards is constantly evolving. While both players are still among the most skilled in the league, team success plays an ever-larger role in MVP voting, and this season, their teams have not performed as expected. In contrast, Jokic’s consistent brilliance, along with his team’s success, has placed him firmly in the driver’s seat.
For Curry and LeBron, the road ahead may be filled with challenges. The Warriors and Lakers will need to significantly improve their team play for their MVP candidates to have a shot at reclaiming their place near the top of the rankings. Meanwhile, Jokic’s bid for a third MVP title seems stronger than ever, and he may only solidify his claim to the award as the season continues.
As we head into the latter stages of the year, it’s clear that this MVP race will be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with surprise contenders and unexpected twists shaping up across the NBA landscape. Will Jokic hold onto his lead? Or will Curry and LeBron surge back into
contention? Only time will tell.
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