NBA MVP rankings: Unexpected player challenging former winners at top

Because of injuries, the race for the NBA Most Valuable Player may get interesting.

Numerous players who are atop the conversation – Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo – have each missed extended time with various health issues. That has opened the door for a somewhat unexpected player, Jaylen Brown, to shoot up this list; Brown has his Boston Celtics in contention in the East despite missing star Jayson Tatum, who has yet to play a game this season as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

What is further complicating the race is that the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has hit a bit of a road bump, as his Oklahoma City Thunder have shown vulnerabilities.

Here’s the latest iteration of the USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings:

USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings

5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

He gets a slight nod over Giannis Antetokounmpo here for a couple of reasons; for one, the Spurs (26-11) have outperformed the Bucks (16-21) and are No. 2 in a crowded Western Conference. And, for another, while Antetokounmpo is a solid defender, no one is better in the NBA than Wembanyama, who leads the league with 2.9 blocks per game. Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo have both played in 23 games and have ineligibility concerns with the 65-game threshold, but, for now, Wembanyama gets the edge.

4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

The big knock on him is his lack of defensive buy-in and effort. Teams constantly attack Dončić on the other end, but he remains the most prolific bucket in the league. Dončić is averaging an NBA-best 33.7 points per game, which is nearly 2 points per game greater than the No. 1 player on this list. And while the Lakers can sometimes look disjointed on both ends, Dončić continues to make them competitive, although they have struggled against some of the West’s best teams.

3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

He would be higher, but his left knee hyperextension that’s expected to sideline him for at least a month, sucks the momentum out of the incredible season he had been having. Across 32 games, Jokić is averaging a triple-double (29.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game) and continues to be the player who most elevates the performance of those around him. Given the gravity he draws and his superb vision, his teammates always shine. Denver will sorely miss him.

2. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Somewhat quietly, Brown has been excelling for the Celtics, who have been flying under the radar without Jayson Tatum but nonetheless are 23-13 and just ½ game back of the No. 2 seed in the East. Brown has been doing it on both ends, averaging 29.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists, taking on tough defensive assignments and using his length to clamp down opposing players. He has taken on more of a leadership role and has shown he can be a star, even when teams can focus their energy on stopping him.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder have certainly hit something of a rough patch, losing six of their last 13 games. And, not surprisingly, some of those defeats have coincided with quieter performances from Gilgeous-Alexander, particularly when he’s unable to get to the free throw line. Opposing defenses have worked to avoid biting on his fakes, and NBA officials seemingly have let more physical play against Gilgeous-Alexander go, so this bears watching the rest of the season. Still, SGA remains the most consistent player in the NBA.