We’ve reached the point in this new era of NBA where it’s easier to list players who aren’t leading the race for MVP than those actually contending for top honors. After a year defined by uncertainty, Joel Embiid has finally emerged as an elite player and is now tied with James Harden at first place on our power rankings. With his team struggling to find consistency without him, we’ll be monitoring how long he can maintain this pace.
The “nba mvp candidates 2021” is a list of the top players in the NBA. Joel Embiid has finally taken over as the leader in this year’s race.
The All-Star break is approaching, and we have enough of data to show which players and teams stand out from the crowd. We’ve witnessed how predicted MVP candidates like Anthony Davis and James Harden have struggled to make an impact this season, while other players have stepped up their game dramatically. Of course, with half of the season finished, there is enough information to forecast which clubs will go far into the playoffs owing to their outstanding players.
It’s time for new MVP power rankings, since several All-Star players have risen to the top in recent weeks and will be destined for success this season and in the future. In the MVP race, there’s a new name in the top-10, and we could have a new favorite at the top. As the All-Star break approaches, we’re lucky to be watching the performance of some genuinely exceptional players in the contemporary game, and here’s how the MVP race is shaping out.
Luka Doncic is number ten.
Credit: USA Today Sports
Statistics for 2021-2022: 26.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 PG
Luka Doncic is without a doubt a remarkable talent since he plays the game as if he had ten years of experience. Luka, who is just 22 years old, is much ahead of his time and age. As a foreign player already carrying a franchise on his shoulders, Doncic is doing everything on the court at an exceptional level. Even his defense has made strides ahead now that he is no longer a burden. Luka, on the other hand, is improving as a leader as the season progresses.
Although it is not Luka’s fault, the Dallas Mavericks are not anticipated to make much noise in the playoffs. The squad is comprised of competent but unspectacular role players, and Luka lacks the support he needs to get beyond the first round. Luka’s chances of winning MVP will be harmed as a result of his team’s poor performance, but he still deserves to be recognized for his outstanding performance.
Zach LaVine (nine)
Statistics for 2021-2022: 24.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Zach LaVine is a true baller, and we’ve learned to anticipate good offensive productivity from him. The Bulls are one of the finest teams in the NBA, with a 33-19 record and a star scorer averaging 24.7 points per game with excellent shooting splits. This season, the former Dunk Champion is shooting 48.6% from the field, 39.7% from three, and 87.1 percent from the line for Chicago.
LaVine has been a reliable scorer and a great leader for the club as they welcomed newcomers DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball. Zach has been a dependable player for Chicago since his arrival, and he has repaid the organization with some outstanding performance this season. The only thing lacking is an opportunity for LaVine to show off his skills in the playoffs, since he may be destined for success there as well.
Devin Booker (#8)
Image courtesy of AZ Central
Statistics for 2021-2022: 25.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
What Phoenix is doing is genuinely remarkable, and Chris Paul deserves the most of the credit. However, Devin Booker, one of the finest shooting guards in the NBA, deserves more praise. Because he has no offensive flaws, Booker may be considered the most skilled shooting guard in the NBA behind James Harden. The Suns have a rising superstar on their hands, as he has averaged over 25 points per game over the last four seasons.
The Suns are enjoying another fantastic season because to Booker’s presence on offense and his chemistry with future Hall of Famer Chris Paul. Phoenix has back with a fury this year after losing in the Finals last year, and they now have the best record in the league at 41-10. With the Golden State Warriors’ record slipping, Booker must maintain his high level of performance to keep his team in first place.
DeMar DeRozan (#7)
courtesy of USA Today Sports
Statistics for 2021-2022: 26.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
DeMar DeRozan is enjoying his finest season since 2017. It’s difficult not to be thrilled for him. DeMar is just balling on every level and demonstrating to the rest of the world what he can accomplish as a team’s greatest player. DeRozan has been the Bulls’ best player all season, and they have the best record in the East. DeRozan has forged one of the league’s most skilled and intriguing duos with Zach LaVine.
That is why, despite skeptics pointing to DeMar’s previous postseason failures, he is in the MVP debate. The former Raptors star has improved his all-around game and has increased his faith in his teammates, making him a dangerous scoring threat at all times. DeMar has a potential to rank in the top five for MVP with his increased passing and defensive ability provided he maintains his high level of play.
Ja Morant, no. 6
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Statistics for 2021-2022: 26.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Ja Morant, a potential superstar point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, is on his way. Despite his athleticism and quickness, Morant does not rush into plays and keeps his actions under control. Morant, like a young Allen Iverson, understands how to take command of a game when he has the ball and takes apart his opponent systematically.
It’s frightening to consider, but Morant may be a more disciplined version of Russell Westbrook. Ja rounds up his game, which already has exceptional athleticism, with his great scoring and passing abilities. The young guy has fast feet and hands and can leap out of the gym. Memphis has one of the finest point guards in the NBA, which explains why they have a top-3 record in the Western Conference when no one expected it.
Stephen Curry, No. 5
Credit: USA Today Sports
Statistics for 2021-2022: 25.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Stephen Curry, the two-time MVP, is back in contention for the award as he continues to lead the Warriors to victories in the Western Conference. The point guard’s shooting troubles have been well chronicled this season, but his leadership and effect at key times cannot be overlooked. Steph is shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range, both low percentages for the best shooter in history.
Curry has raised the bar so high that anything less than a 40% three-point percentage is deemed unusual. Despite his inconsistency with the ball, Steph has been the league’s finest point guard, leading the Warriors to a top-two finish in the Western Conference. Because there is so much skill in the NBA right now, the two-time MVP is now behind four other players in the race for the prized MVP title.
Chris Paul is number four.
The Valley of the Suns is a place where the sun shines brightly
Statistics for 2021-2022: 14.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
At almost 37 years old, LeBron James is getting a lot of acclaim for his performance, but Chris Paul also deserves it. The point guard is averaging a double-double while guiding Pheonix to the best record in the NBA, which is astounding for a veteran who is renowned for missing a lot of games each season.
Along with LeBron James, CP3 is still perhaps the finest leader in the game, and he continues to establish his Hall of Fame reputation. Only an MVP award and an NBA championship are remaining from Paul’s amazing career, both of which he may have a chance to win this year. If the Suns keep playing like they are, the latter is a possibility. Paul will have to fight for three big guys for the remainder of the year in order to earn the MVP title.
Nikola Jokic is number three.
courtesy of USA Today Sports
Statistics for 2021-2022: 25.9 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, is playing at an exceptional level, putting up monster figures while leading Denver to a playoff spot. For many Nuggets fans and commentators, Jokic is the clear MVP after his outstanding performances throughout the season. Nikola is immensely dominating, despite his laid-back manner and rather amusing approach on the court.
Despite the fact that he is without the assistance of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr, the big man is still trying his best to keep Denver in contention. To fully shine as a champion in the playoffs, Jokic will need his two stars with him, but the MVP title is a regular-season accomplishment. Even if his team’s record isn’t very spectacular, Jokic is certainly a top-3 MVP contender thus far.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Giannis Antetokounmpo)
Statistics for 2021-2022: 28.9 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and reigning NBA champion, is enjoying an outstanding season with the Bucks, putting up tremendous statistics across the board. The Greek Freak has a significant influence on the game on all levels, and he has shown to be a very adaptable talent throughout the season. When he approaches the rim, he is unstoppable, and he can guard all five spots on defense.
Giannis’ skill set is rare, which is why the Bucks are climbing the Eastern Conference rankings. With two All-Stars in Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday on his side, Giannis has the potential to win the NBA title again. If The Greek Freak wins his third MVP award, he might already be considered a top-20 player of all time.
Joel Embiid (#1)
USATSI
Statistics for 2021-2022: 29.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Joel Embiid is the MVP favorite this season because to his great performance and leadership. It’s incredible what he’s accomplishing without Ben Simmons, who has the 76ers in good position for a top-three seeding in the Eastern Conference. If Embiid can do that before the conclusion of the season, it will be difficult to vote against him for MVP.
His point totals have been insane, but he’s also been a fantastic playmaker. While Philadelphia continues to look for another star to pair alongside Embiid, others around him, like as Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle, have improved. With Embiid having a career year over all odds, it wouldn’t be surprising if he led the MVP race for the remainder of the season.
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