If we were to talk about the strongest current combat power and who is most likely to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy for this season's regular season, the names LeBron, Durant, and Curry are no longer on the list. Players like Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Tatum, and Jaylen Brown have either been surpassed or have yet to reach their peak.
So far this season, considering team records and individual leadership abilities, there are only two players who stand out as potential MVP winners. One of them has led his team to outstanding results, averaging over thirty points per game for three consecutive regular seasons, and is a frequent member of the All-NBA First Team. Today, he even led his team to a 105-92 victory over the reigning champions, the Celtics, at home. This impressive 15-game winning streak has brought their record within half a game of the league-leading Cavaliers. During this streak, the Thunder's star player, Alexander, has averaged an impressive 33 points per game.
Such a player rarely experiences fluctuations in form, and it's not an exaggeration to describe him as "steady as an old dog." It's worth noting that the Thunder are currently without their interior core, Holmgren. If he were to return, one can only imagine how the team would perform. If the team continues to develop in this manner, it seems almost certain that Alexander will claim the regular-season MVP award. One can imagine that every time Ballmer thinks of Alexander, he feels a pang of regret, truly embodying the old saying, "Those who do not listen to the wise will suffer in the future."
Why aren't the Cavaliers' dual guards, who currently hold the best record in the league, considered among the top contenders for the MVP? The reason is simple: they lack the star quality. Their leading player, Mitchell, has only made the All-NBA Second Team once in his career, while Doolittle's most notable achievement is winning the All-Star Skills Challenge. They are at best All-Star level players, still some distance from being considered superstars.
Mitchell has led his team to a 31-4 record, yet his MVP ranking is even lower than that of the Spurs' star player, Wembanyama, who is ranked eighth in the West. The Spurs' record stands at 18-17, just slightly above 50%. Whether Mitchell is being overlooked is open to interpretation.
Looking at the current situation, the only player who can compete with Alexander for the MVP title is Jokic. Why is this the case? Many players need achievements to back up their MVP candidacy, but Jokic does not. After all, he wouldn't have won three regular-season MVPs in four years otherwise. Judging by the Nuggets' current record, Jokic also has a significant chance. Looking at his personal statistics, Jokic is averaging 31.5 points per game, ranking second in the league, with 13 rebounds placing him third in the league, and 9.7 assists per game ranking second in the league, higher than any point guard.
As the first player in NBA history to play as a controlling center, he has managed to achieve a league-leading 47.3% three-point shooting percentage this season. He is not a player who shoots recklessly when he sees an opening; he is genuinely capable of averaging 2.3 successful three-point shots per game. With such personal ability and statistics, it's hard to argue against calling him the best active player, much like how no one disputes that Antetokounmpo is the strongest current combat power.
It's important to note that Jokic is also a leader who enjoys sharing the ball. Whenever his teammates perform well, he is willing to take a backseat and conserve energy to help the team win. He no longer needs to prove himself, as his three MVP awards and one Finals MVP have already done so. You can find many videos online where he is seen getting dominated in one-on-one situations by lesser-known players. Even at public events, when children tease him into attempting a dunk, he claims he can't do it and deliberately gets the ball stuck on the rim, emphasizing his preference for minimal exertion whenever possible.
However, when the team needs to push for better rankings, he will give his all to help them win. In the recent back-to-back games against the Spurs, who have Wembanyama, he returned to his high-scoring ways, scoring 41 points with 18 rebounds and 9 assists in the first game, and 46 points with 9 rebounds and 10 assists in the second.
Although the team only managed a 1-1 record, his near-triple-double performances were quite exciting, a stark contrast to his usual laid-back style. It's almost as if he's playing with a ferocity unseen before. Could it be that the emergence of Wembanyama has instilled a sense of crisis in this European top center?
This is actually quite understandable. It's like when we were young and saw younger kids being hailed as prodigies; we would exert ourselves to show them our strength, proving ourselves in a competitive manner, just as we did in the past. We aim to intimidate you before you fully mature, making you apprehensive whenever you face us in the future. I wonder if some of the older, more experienced players think this way; at least, that's how I see it.
Many fans might look at Jokic's bulk and slow movements and assume he has problems with speed and stamina. However, this is not the case. Despite his weight and occasional inability to keep up with his opponents, Jokic is more than willing to engage in physical battles with opposing big men.
Watching his games, one never sees him struggle with stamina issues. While he may tolerate slower footwork when guarding against quick guards, any interior player attempting to single him out will find themselves in trouble. His average of 1.7 steals per game demonstrates his defensive awareness, making him difficult for most players to directly exploit. This steal count ranks eighth in the league. The main reason we seldom see Jokic experiencing stamina issues is the current lack of top-tier centers in the league, who could challenge him both offensively and defensively.
Of course, Jokic's biggest asset is his ability to elevate his teammates' performance, which is why he is so beloved by his peers. Players like Porter Jr. and Murray, who recently signed a max contract extension during the offseason, have achieved their dreams of becoming millionaires under Jokic's influence. Westbrook, who joined the team this season, is a prime example. Since joining the Lakers, he has been regarded by many as a team cancer. Although his reputation improved somewhat with the Clippers, he was eventually traded due to disagreements with their star player, Leonard.
This future Hall of Famer, nearly abandoned by the entire league, has rediscovered his lost self under the guidance of Coach Malone and Jokic. In the few games where the team needed him to start, Westbrook has contributed the sixth-highest assist efficiency in the league, averaging 8.4 assists, not far off from his triple-double peak stats. His average of 2.3 steals ranks third in the league. At 35 years old, Westbrook has earned a substantial amount throughout his career. He now plays not for money, but out of love for the game and to prove that he is not the toxic player that others perceive him to be.
Jokic's ability to rejuvenate players has propelled him to second place in the MVP rankings. What do you think? Between Alexander and Jokic, who will ultimately win the regular-season MVP award this season? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section if you enjoy discussing this topic.