Nikola Jokic may be the reigning NBA MVP, but the Nuggets center is facing stiff competition this season.
Despite his favourable NBA 2024 odds, there’s a chance that Jokic might not win this season because of a combination of voters’ fatigue and stellar performances from his colleagues. Still, that shouldn’t take away the fact he remains one of the league’s best players.
Based on the NBA 2024 results in recent weeks, pundits have Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo as the closest challengers to end Nikola Jokic’s reign.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is craving his second MVP after last winning it in 2021. Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis don’t mind winning the coveted individual award for the first time in their careers.
Continue reading below, as SBOTOP makes a case for each of these studs.
Jayson Tatum, Celtics
The Celtics’ title defence is off to an auspicious start since they have the second-best record in the league at 13-3, and Jayson Tatum has been at the forefront of their strong early run.
Tatum leads the defending champions in scoring at 29.9 points per contest. The five-time NBA All-Star is also averaging 8.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest on 46.4-per cent shooting from the field and 39.4-per cent from three-point land.
The 26-year-old forward has flirted with a triple-double in his last four appearances. Jayson Tatum also hit the game-winning triple against the Raptors and was the driving force in the Celtics’ statement win against the previously undefeated Cavaliers.
Jayson Tatum had a rare off-night against the Wizards. But despite going 6-for-19 from the field, he still had 16 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in the 108-96 victory, a sign that he finds ways to produce at a high level even if things don’t go his way.
Besides his consistent production, Tatum also deserves plaudits for his versatility on both sides of the floor and availability.
Simply put, Jayson Tatum’s case for winning MVP this season is the fact he’s the best player on the best team. Just ask Kendrick Perkins.
“Jayson Tatum, I apologize because we should mention your name more often when it comes to the three letters of MVP,” Perkins said on ESPN’s NBA Today. “We talk about everybody else, but we don’t talk about this man who constantly night in and night out is flirting with 30-point triple-doubles.”
Anthony Davis, Lakers
LeBron James said that if the Lakers are going to make noise this season, it’ll likely be on the back of an MVP-calibre campaign from Anthony Davis. So far, The Brow is making good on The King’s take.
Anthony Davis took home the Western Conference Player of the Week honours in Week 1 after leading the Purple and Gold to a 3-0 start. Under his leadership, the Lakers have a 10-5 record, good for fourth in the ultra-tough Western Conference.
In the first 14 games he has played, Davis averaged 31.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.9 blocks per contest, and he is fresh from a 39-point effort in the Lakers’ recent loss against the Magic.
Anthony Davis is doing this despite dealing with foot and eye injuries, which is impressive for someone who has an extensive injury history.
Don’t be surprised if AD is also in the running to win this season’s NBA Defensive Player of the Year trophy since he is in the Top 10 both in the rebounds and blocks categories.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
The Bucks have experienced a recent upturn in form because of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been putting up video game numbers in the past few weeks.
Unlike the Celtics and the Lakers, the Bucks started their 2024-25 campaign badly because they had one of the worst records in the NBA. But, fast forward to today, they improved to 6-9, including a three-game winning streak.
After dropping 41 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists against the Bulls on Wednesday, Giannis Antetokounmpo proceeded to record 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Pacers on Friday.
Not too long ago, the Greek Freak notched 59 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocks during an overtime victory against the Pistons.
Time and time again, the 2021 NBA MVP has shown the capability to put the team on his back, especially if he is 100-per cent fit.
With Khris Middleton nowhere from a comeback anytime soon and Damian Lillard far from his otherworldly form, Milwaukee’s hopes rest on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s broad shoulders.
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