2023-24 NBA MVP Power Rankings: Joel Embiid Is Now Leading The Race
The New Year is here, and we have the updated MVP candidates around the NBA updated as of the first few days of January 2024. The MVP ladder has been shifted quite a few times throughout the season, as we had Nikola Jokic firmly on top as he battled with Luka Doncic for the coveted trophy.
Now, there is a new face that is firmly atop the MVP ladder due to his extraordinary performances. With so much competition for the MVP award this season, here are the updated rankings.
1. Joel Embiid
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2023-24 Season Stats: 35.0 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.0 BPG
At the forefront of the 2023-24 NBA MVP race is Joel Embiid, who has seamlessly solidified his position as the league’s premier player. His scoring prowess is nothing short of remarkable, leading the NBA with an impressive 35.0 points per game. What makes Embiid’s case even more compelling is his ability to shine amidst roster uncertainties, with drama caused by key players like Simmons and Harden in recent years. Despite this, Embiid boasts an impressive resume with two scoring titles and an MVP trophy to date, a testament to his consistent excellence on the court.
While renowned for his dominance as a scorer, Embiid is showcasing newfound versatility this season, evident in his career-high average of 6.0 assists per game. This evolution in his playmaking ability not only enhances his individual game but also contributes significantly to the Philadelphia 76ers’ success. Currently holding the third seed in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers’ resilience under Embiid’s leadership is evident, particularly since losing last season’s assist leader, Harden.
2. Nikola Jokic
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2023-24 Season Stats: 26.1 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 9.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Nikola Jokic continues to solidify his status as one of the NBA’s elite players boasting impressive all-around numbers that reinforce his significance on the court. With averages of 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game, Jokic’s unique skill set distinguishes him as not only the best passing center ever but also one of the premier playmakers across all positions in the league. Having already secured two MVP titles and finishing as a runner-up to Joel Embiid last year, Jokic is firmly in second place in the power rankings so far.
The Denver Nuggets’ aspirations for a second-straight championship hinge significantly on Jokic’s exceptional contributions. His basketball IQ and playmaking abilities are unparalleled, evidenced by his PER of 31.3, ranking third in the league, just behind the current front-runner, Joel Embiid (34.9). While Embiid maintains a scoring onslaught, Jokic’s near triple-double average showcases his well-rounded impact on the game.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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2023-24 Season Stats: 31.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG
The 25-year-old guard Shai Gilgoeous-Alexander has firmly established himself as an elite player in the league. His impressive stat line, averaging 31.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, underscores his exceptional skills and all-around contribution to his team. Currently, Gilgeous-Alexander finds himself in the MVP conversation, securing the third spot behind perennial stars Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, a testament to his rapid ascent among the world’s top basketball talents.
Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander made his mark by earning his first All-Star selection and securing a spot on the All-NBA First Team. This year, he looks poised to replicate those achievements as he continues to shine on both ends of the floor. The Thunder, currently second in the competitive Western Conference, have emerged as unexpected title contenders, and the former No. 11 overall pick stands as the driving force behind their resurgence.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
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2023-24 Season Stats: 30.9 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a perennial presence in the NBA MVP conversation, and the 2023-24 season is no exception. Despite the arrival of Damian Lillard to the team, Giannis has not only maintained but also enhanced his performance, showcasing remarkable efficiency in his scoring. Last year, the forward posted 31.1 points on 55.3% from the field but is averaging 30.9 points on 60.8% from the field this season.
While the competition for the MVP title is fierce, with Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic firmly leading the pack, Giannis stands as a testament to enduring excellence. The prospect of securing his third MVP could be difficult to achieve this year, but his impact on the game is unmistakable because he is a top-five player in the world without a doubt.
5. Luka Doncic
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2023-24 Season Stats: 33.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 9.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG
The young Slovenian has been a consistent force for the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing his versatility by contributing on both ends of the floor. Despite his remarkable individual performance, the Mavericks’ recent struggles, going 4-6 in their last 10 games, have led to a slight dip in Luka’s standing in the MVP race as he sits just at fifth place after being a top-three candidate for most of the season. At just shy of 25 years old, Luka Doncic is undeniably the leader of the Mavericks and has drawn comparisons to legends like Larry Bird due to his skill set and basketball IQ.
However, the question looms as to when he will translate his individual brilliance into capturing critical trophies, a necessary step for players of his caliber. As he continues to mature and evolve as a player, Doncic will likely face increasing scrutiny regarding his ability to lead his team to significant victories. Until he can secure major trophies and championships, the parallels to basketball legends may start to fade, and the focus may shift from individual brilliance to team success for the talented Slovenian.
6. Tyrese Haliburton
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2023-24 Season Stats: 24.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 12.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Tyrese Haliburton’s performance in the 2023-24 NBA season has been nothing short of sensational, solidifying his status as a rising superstar on the offensive end. Averaging an impressive 24.6 points and a league-leading 12.8 assists per game, Haliburton’s scoring and playmaking prowess have been nothing short of remarkable as the Pacers rank first in the NBA in offense. With a PER of 26.3, he has become an undeniable force on the court, showcasing his offensive versatility and effectiveness.
Haliburton’s proficiency extends beyond just scoring, as evidenced by his exceptional 41.4% three-point shooting. The absence of offensive weaknesses in his game is a testament to his well-rounded skill set, drawing comparisons to legendary floor generals like Steve Nash. His recent feat of recording 23 assists in a single game against the New York Knicks on Saturday night could be foreshadowing that he might one day break Scott Skiles’ record of 30 assists in a single game.
7. Jayson Tatum
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2023-24 Season Stats: 26.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Despite being the best player on the current top-ranked Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum’s focus remains on securing an NBA title rather than individual accolades. His focus on righting the wrongs of the 2021-22 NBA Finals is evident as he embraces the role of the go-to player, even with the addition of reinforcements to the team.
Tatum’s versatility as a scorer is a defining aspect of his game, and his ability to maintain high-level performance despite the presence of other talented scorers like Brown, Porzingis, and Holiday underscores his leadership on the court. While an MVP award might not be in the immediate forecast considering the performance of some elite stars, Tatum’s consistent play and commitment to team success position him as a top-10 MVP candidate.
8. De’Aaron Fox
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2023-24 Season Stats: 30.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
De’Aaron Fox has rapidly ascended into the MVP conversation, fueled by his outstanding individual performance. Averaging an impressive 30.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, the dynamic point guard has become a force to be reckoned with with the ball in his hands. Following an excellent season last year that earned him his first All-Star and All-NBA selections, Fox’s trajectory has only continued to soar.
Fox’s scoring prowess, currently placing him fifth in the league in points per game, has played a pivotal role in transforming the Sacramento Kings into a playoff-caliber team, currently sitting at fifth in the competitive Western Conference. His ability to dominate with the ball in his hands has been a game-changer for the Kings, propelling them into postseason contention. With Fox’s scoring proficiency and the Kings’ improved standing, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to overlook his impact in the MVP race.
9. Tyrese Maxey
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2023-24 Season Stats: 26.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Tyrese Maxey’s meteoric rise in the 2023-24 NBA season has been nothing short of spectacular, catching everyone by surprise with his immediate and significant improvement. While he always possessed the potential to be a star, Maxey has seamlessly transformed into a potential superstar within just one year. The departure of James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers left a significant void, but Maxey has not only filled that role but has exceeded expectations.
Taking the reins of the guard position for the 76ers, Maxey has become the best sidekick in the NBA alongside Joel Embiid. Despite the challenges posed by Harden’s departure, Maxey’s stellar play has helped the 76ers maintain their status as a contender in the league. In light of his exceptional performance and the impact he has had on his team, Tyrese Maxey deserves to be respected as a legitimate top-10 MVP candidate even if he isn’t the best player in Philadelphia.
10. Anthony Edwards
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2023-24 Season Stats: 26.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Anthony Edwards is steadily carving out his place in the NBA landscape as a superstar player. Averaging a career-high 26.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, the 22-year-old is making a strong case for himself as a dominant scorer and an emerging all-around player. As Edwards continues to elevate his game, he harbors ambitions of one day becoming the face of the NBA.
His trajectory suggests that such aspirations might not be far-fetched. At just 22 years old, the young phenom is posting numbers that hint at a bright future ahead. On track to secure a second consecutive All-Star appearance and potentially his first All-NBA selection, Edwards stands as the best player behind the leading team in the Western Conference this season.
Honorable Mention
Kevin Durant
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2023-24 Season Stats: 29.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Kevin Durant’s individual performances have been of a superstar level even if frustrations are going on with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns only have a 16-15 record despite the presence of three superstar players, but injuries have derailed the season. Bradley Beal has only played seven games and Kevin Durant has led the charge with his scoring and all-around play, shooting a remarkable 52.5% from the field and 47.7% from three.
Durant is still one of the most dominant scorers in the league and while he did not crack the top-10 ranking in the MVP race, he deserves credit for handling a difficult situation. Beyond injuries, the Suns lack depth on the roster and it has meant the four-time scoring champion has had to carry the offense far more than he would like.