Kia MVP Ladder: Davis leads way as chase begins

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Setting the stage this week: It comes in a trickle at first. Then it will develop steam, gather evidence, gain traction. In another few months, the picture will begin to crystalize and get legit.
But right now? The race for the top spot in our Race to the MVP Ladder is just launching.
And with all beginnings, everything must be seen through a prism of newness and acknowledged as a small sample size. Nonetheless, the group of players listed below who are sharpening their elbows to box out and grab precious pole position to climb the ladder are all deserving, all accomplished, all … expected to be here.
Such as Anthony Davis, the first out of the gate in 2024-25.
The impact at both ends so far is undeniable, the worth to the Lakers unquestioned. Davis plays at elite level most nights on offense and defense and there aren’t many players built like him in that regard.
One stat to know: Defending MVP Nikola Jokić won’t surrender without a fight. He leads the Denver Nuggets in points, rebounds, assists and blocks this season. He has led or tied for the Nuggets’ lead in four categories all but one season since 2017-18, which is the true measure of one’s importance to the team.
What they’re saying: “It’s our job to empower him on both sides of the basketball to have a monster year. And I thought he had a monster year last year. But I think the way we want to play, he’s gonna be featured like he always is, but he’s also gonna be hopefully perpetually involved.” — Lakers coach JJ Redick on Davis.
Season stats: 32.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg
His case: Nobody had a better start to 2024-25 than Davis, who gobbled up big numbers and devoured opposing centers through the first few weeks. He seems famished, as if he … never won MVP before? This opening run ranks with the best stretches we’ve ever seen from Davis. He’s leading the league in scoring and doing it at both ends.
Of course, the disclaimer when it comes to Davis: Can he stay healthy? He’s now dealing with a recurring foot injury that caused him to miss a game, could throw a speed bump his way and a subsequent drop in the rankings. Can he shoot the ball with his fingers crossed? We’ll see.
Season stats: 30.2 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.8 apg
His case: He’s giving off vibes of a player on a redemption tour. That’s strange for someone who won an NBA championship and Olympic gold medal in three summer months. But, he wasn’t awarded Finals MVP and was benched twice in the Paris Games, so maybe on the inside, Tatum burns a bit.
We know this much: Tatum is dropping 3-balls at a personal-best pace (4.2 makes on 11.4 attempts per game). He’s spearheading the shot-happy Celtics as his game looks sharp and so does his team.
Season stats: 28.8 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 11 apg
His case: He was the league’s most impactful player last season and therefore won MVP for the third time and nothing has changed so far. The Joker is averaging a triple-double. He’s top-five in scoring, rebounds and assists — and coming off a massive 26-20-16 demolition to hand OKC its first loss. He’s a handful, basically, once again.
The difference is that the Nuggets are struggling (or were initially). That’s not all on Jokić though, and it’s early. The gap between his No. 3 spot and No. 1 — a place in which he’s familiar — can close quickly.
Season stats: 26 ppg, 6 rpg, 6.8 apg
His case: His team is winning and he’s producing. Usually, that’s the recipe for MVP success and of all the players in this top-five, Gilgeous-Alexander brings the best of those credentials.
Both must hold up over the next few months to give him an edge, and all signs are positive so far. He dropped 28 points with eight assists and seven rebounds in the opener against Jokić, which was a telling start.
Season stats: 23.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.1 apg
His case: Much like Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell benefits from a solid start individually with the bonus of being on a conference leader. His 30.2 mpg are the fewest of his career and yet his production per minute is stellar. Mitchell’s game-winner against the Bucks ranks among the best shots so far this season.
Mitchell bears watching if the Cavaliers remain afloat in the East attic. With the Sixers and Bucks stumbling and needing a few weeks to catch up, the Cavs could be Boston’s biggest threat between now and Christmas. If Mitchell continues to deliver as a playmaker, it’s very possible.
6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
8. Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
10. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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