Joel Embiid is Officially Ineligible to Win NBA MVP Under New Rules, So Who Leads the MVP Ladder?
The NBA MVP ladder, as it’s unofficially named, was brought down a peg this past weekend thanks to some new rule changes. Philadelphia 76ers’ big man Joel Embiid missed his 17th game on Saturday, making him officially ineligible to win the NBA MVP award. This is the NBA’s first year enacting the new rule that states a player must play 65 games to be eligible for MVP, and it’s taking effect right out of the gate. Embiid was sidelined two weeks ago for surgery on a torn meniscus, and he’ll likely be out until late March. It’s a shame, because Embiid was likely on pace for another MVP.
Jo-Eligibility Issues: Even in limited games, Embiid has stacked up some monster box scores this year, including a 70-point game on Jan. 22. He also had two 50-pieces and a 48-point game. Overall, he’s averaging 35.3 points (1st), 11.3 rebounds (7th) and 5.7 assists while shooting 53.3 percent. Those numbers likely would’ve led to his second-straight MVP award. Instead, an unprecedented run of repeat MVPs comes to an end. Here's a new look at our MVP ladder coming down the stretch.
Updated 2023-24 NBA MVP Ladder
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
Stats: 31.1. Points, 5.6 Rebounds, 6.6 Assists
If we haven't said it already this season, there’s a storm brewing in Oklahoma City. The Thunder have become a Western Conference terror with the uprising of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA was part of that blockbuster deal a few years ago that sent Paul George to the Clippers. Now, the Thunder are reaping the rewards. His stats put him top-5 in scoring, and he’s leading OKC to a top-seed out West. Current Odds: +250
2. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
Stats: 26.3 Points, 12.2 Rebounds, 9.0 Assists
The stat-stuffing Serbian shockwave continues to strike gold in Denver. Couldn’t we make a case for Jokic to be the MVP every year? His triple-double count keeps rising, and the Nuggets are within five games of the best record in the league. A win streak could propel Jokic to his third MVP down the stretch. In many early polls, and amongst oddsmakers, he’s the leading favorite over SGA. Current Odds: -160
3. Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
Stats: 34.6 Points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.5 Assists
Even though an MVP is unlikely, Luka Doncic is the must-see player in the NBA right now. His only delay is the Mavericks’ record (31-23). They’re mid-tier in the West, and that usually plays a big role in MVP voting. Nine 40-point games is special, and his 73-point performance alone could rock the vote. Current Odds: +700
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
Stats: 31.1 Points, 11.2 Rebounds, 6.4 Assists
It’s been a “quiet” season for Giannis in Milwaukee. He’s still putting up monster numbers with top-10 scoring and rebounding, but sharing the rock with Damian Lillard is an ongoing process. The Bucks’ record (35-19) should be better than it is, and I think there are too many other great players this year to see Giannis get his third MVP. Current Odds: +700
5. Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
Stats: 26.9 Points, 8.4 Rebounds, 4.5 Assists
The best player on the best team? That’s Tatum. Unfortunately for JT, he has to share the stats with Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. His numbers don’t pop off the stat sheet, but a few big moments down the stretch could change that and lead to his first MVP award. He’s still top-5 in our current ladder rankings, just ahead of Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson. Current Odds: +5000
Still in MVP Consideration
K. Durant (Suns): 28.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.7 apg
D. Mitchell (Cavs): 28.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.4 apg
J. Brunson (Knicks): 27.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.5 apg
K. Leonard (Clippers): 24.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.7 apg
A. Edwards (T-Wolves): 25.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.3 apg
Who do you think is leading the NBA MVP race? Email me and let me know. For now, the All-Star break and 30 more games stand between us and the playoffs. There’s plenty of time for movement up (or down) the ladder.
Read More
ESPN+: Straw Poll: Where 100 League Insiders See the NBA MVP Race
Yahoo! Sports: NBA MVP Rankings: Top Contenders With Embiid Out
Yardbarker: After Joel Embiid’s Injury, the NBA MVP Race is Wide Open
