NBA.com released its updated Kia MVP Ladder for the 2024-25 season on Friday. After an absence from the top spot in this season’s first installment, Denver Nuggets center and reigning Kia MVP Nikola Jokic is back on top.
Jokic, 29, is expected to remain at No. 1 if he maintains his current performance level. In the latest MVP Ladder, the three-time MVP sits ahead of Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Phoenix Suns wing Kevin Durant.
NBA’s Top 3 Kia MVP Ladder
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis was No. 1 in last week’s MVP Ladder. However, a recurring foot injury and brutal eye poke bumped him down to fifth in the rankings. His injury history isn’t being overlooked.
For that main reason, along with Jokic’s consistent play, the Nuggets star climbed to the top. Jokic won last season’s award with 79 first-place votes and a total of 926 points.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic also fell to eighth in the rankings.
According to FanDuel, the seven-year veteran now has the fourth-highest odds to win MVP at +900. He trails Jokic (+210), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+290), and Tatum (+470). Anthony Edwards is tied with Doncic at +900.
1.) Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Last Ladder: No. 3
Season Stats: 29.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 11.7 APG
In his 10th NBA season, Jokic is currently leading the league in rebounds per game (13.7), assists per game (11.7), player efficiency rating (33.3), win shares (2.6), offensive win shares (2.1), box plus/minus (15), value over replacement player (1.6), and triple-doubles (six).
“Aside from averaging a healthy triple-double, Joker has been a steady force despite the lineup changes within the Nuggets, who have dealt with missed games by Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray,” wrote NBA.com writer Shaun Powell. “No worries; Jokic can carry Denver to victory regardless of slumping or injured teammates. Hence, the scratches on his shoulders.
“His 37-18-15 stat line against the Mavericks last Sunday — two days too late for consideration for the first installment of the Kia MVP Ladder — is the season’s gold standard. Honestly, it would stack up well against any non-Wilt triple-double. And it’s early. That’s what’s scary.”
2.) Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Last Ladder: No. 2
Season Stats: 30.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.6 APG
Through 13 games, Tatum is averaging career highs of 30.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals, while shooting 46.7% from the field, 37.8% from 3-point range, and 81% at the free throw line. The five-time All-Star leads the NBA right now in points (392) and made free throws (94).
“He was big in a pair of victories against the Nets over the last week, one in overtime, and is coming off a 36-10-9 effort a few days ago. Tatum remains very consistent this season, and that consistency remains high virtually across the board,” Powell wrote.
“His spot in this Kia MVP Ladder next week could hinge mostly on what he does Tuesday in an Eastern showdown with the Cavaliers (7 ET, TNT), who remain undefeated and, from a win-loss standpoint, are the team to beat in the conference. That’s gotta get Tatum’s attention.”
3. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Last Ladder: No. 6
Season Stats: 27.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.4 APG
As for Durant, NBA.com moved the two-time MVP from sixth to third. Phoenix lost two of three while he was injured, so his case is more narrative-driven. Through nine games, he’s averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 38.8 minutes, his most since the 2010-11 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder (38.9).
“Bummer for Durant — a strained left calf will keep him benched for a few weeks, just as he was pressing the accelerator. Not only was he productive for the Suns pre-injury, but he averaged just shy of 39 minutes a night, his most since 2010-11,” Powell wrote.
“Pure durability is acknowledged and rewarded by an MVP race. If Durant keeps up this performance pace when he returns, he’ll also get nods for the Kia Clutch Player of the Year Award. Durant came up big in most of the Suns’ seven crunch-time wins in the first few weeks, and in those situations, he led the league in points scored.
“Which raises a point about his value — Durant missed the last three games and the Suns lost two of them, one in overtime when they could’ve used his presence.”
NBA.com has the full top 10 MVP Ladder list on its website.
