Kia MVP rankings: Anthony Davis and Jayson Tatum make it into the elite field

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Set the stage this week: It comes in a trickle at first. Then it will gain momentum, gather evidence and gain traction. In a few more months the image will crystallize and become reality.

But right now? The race for the top spot in our Race to the MVP Ladder has just begun.

And in all beginnings everything must be viewed through the prism of the new and recognized as a small sample. Nonetheless, the group of players listed below who are sharpening their elbows to box out and grab that precious pole position to climb the leaderboard all deserve, all achieved, all…expected to be here.

Like Anthony Davis, who will be first out of the gate in 2024-25.

The impact on both sides is undeniable so far, and the value for the Lakers is undisputed. Davis plays at an elite level on offense and defense most nights, and there aren't many players built like him in that regard.

A stat you should know: Defending MVP Nikola Jokić won't give up without a fight. He leads the Denver Nuggets in points, rebounds, assists and blocks this season. Since 2017-18, he has led or tied the Nuggets in four categories in all but one season, which is the true measure of a player's importance to the team.

What they say: “It’s our job to help him have a monster year on both sides of the basketball. And I thought he had a monster year last year. But I think the way we want to play, he'll be in the spotlight as always, but hopefully he'll be there long-term.” – Lakers coach JJ Redick on Davis.

1. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Season statistics: 32.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg

His case: No one had a better start to the 2024-25 season than Davis, who put up big numbers and gobbled up opposing centers in the first few weeks. He seems starved, like he's… never won MVP before? This opening run is one of the best stretches we've ever seen from Davis. He leads the league in points on both ends.

Of course, the disclaimer when it comes to Davis: Can he stay healthy? He's now dealing with a recurring foot injury that caused him to miss a game, hit a speed bump and sent him plummeting in the rankings. Can he shoot the ball with his fingers crossed? We'll see.

2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Season statistics: 30.2 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.8 apg

His case: He gives off the vibe of a gambler on a redemption spree. That's strange for someone who won an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in three summer months. But he wasn't named Finals MVP and was benched twice in the Paris Games, so perhaps Tatum is burning a little inside.

This much we know: Tatum is throwing 3 balls at a personal best (4.2 points on 11.4 attempts per game). He leads the shooting-happy Celtics as his game looks sharp, and the same goes for his team.

3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Season statistics: 28.8 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 11 apg

His case: He was the most influential player in the league last season, which is why he won MVP for the third time, and that hasn't changed yet. The Joker averages a triple-double. He ranks in the top five in scoring, rebounds and assists – and handed OKC its first loss with a massive 26-20-16 loss. Basically he's a handful again.

The difference is that the Nuggets are struggling (or were initially). However, that's not all for Jokić, and it's still early. The gap between his third place and his first place – a place he is familiar with – can close quickly.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Season statistics: 26 ppg, 6 rpg, 6.8 apg

His case: His team wins and he produces. That's usually the recipe for MVP success, and of all the players in this top five, Gilgeous-Alexander has the best of those qualifications.

Both will have to hold up over the next few months to give him an edge, and so far all signs are positive. In the opening game against Jokić, he posted 28 points with eight assists and seven rebounds, which was an impressive start.

5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Season statistics: 23.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.1 apg

His case: Similar to Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell benefits from a solid start as an individual and the advantage of being one of the conference leaders. His 30.2 mpg is the lowest of his career and yet his production per minute is outstanding. Mitchell's game-winning goal against the Bucks is one of the best shots of the season so far.

Mitchell will have to make sure the Cavaliers stay afloat in the East loft. With the Sixers and Bucks stumbling and taking a few weeks to catch up, the Cavs could be Boston's biggest threat by Christmas. If Mitchell continues to perform well as a playmaker, that's entirely possible.

The next five:

6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
8. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
10. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

And five more (ordered alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Yes Morant, Memphis Grizzlies; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for more than 25 years. You can email him here, his archive can be found here and Follow him on X.

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