The calendar has turned to November, and the NBA regular season is settling into a rhythm.
Thus far, it has been clear that there will be no shortage of candidates for the league’s top individual honor. The reigning two-time Most Valuable Player, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has been exceptional to start the season, especially in the face of the numerous injuries his team has faced.
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And yet, there are four players ranked ahead of him after two weeks of games, two of which had been unranked in last week’s edition.
Here is the second iteration of the USA TODAY Sports’ NBA Most Valuable Player rankings:
▶ Stats: 30.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists in 8 games
If the last two Thunder games are any indication – both of which were victories against the Cleveland Cavaliers – Gilgeous-Alexander may be called upon to significantly increase his scoring while Oklahoma City contends with its many injuries. Gilgeous-Alexander has combined to score 85 points and dish out 16 assists over those last two, on a remarkable 61 field goal attempts.
▶ Stats: 28.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists in 9 games
This is a loaded team, to be sure, but Maxey has been the clear standout from the group. So much so that Jaylen Brown, one of the new marquee additions, said recently that Philadelphia “is his team,” referring to Maxey, adding that he has “been leading the way for sure.” Maxey’s numbers have actually taken a small dip, but considering the star talent playing around him, that’s practically remarkable in itself. His perimeter shot has been stellar, he can create for others and his speed in transition is unparalleled across the entire league.
▶ Stats: 29.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists in 7 games
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Who says the MVP is a young man’s game? Curry, approaching his 39th birthday in March, has been torching opposing defenses with a relentless barrage of 3-point shots. Even at his age, Curry is seemingly tireless and remains the most difficult player to defend off the ball. Perhaps more impressively, the Warriors have been a pleasant surprise to start the season, even without Jimmy Butler (ACL recovery) and Kristaps Porziņģis (away from team).
▶ Stats: 29.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists in 8 games
It’s too early in the season for a player to already have an MVP moment, but Wembanyama’s dominance Wednesday, Nov. 4 in a one-point win against the Mavericks was astounding. He dropped 52 points, 24 rebounds and 8 blocks. He became only the second player since blocks began to be tracked in 1974 to record at least 50 points, 20 rebounds and 5 blocks in a single game, joining Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo. The Spurs have won six consecutive, and Wembanyama is playing the best basketball of his young career.
▶ Stats: 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.0 assists in 8 games
How historic is Dončić’s absolute scorcher to start the season? Entering the year, NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain had recorded the Top 4 marks for points per game in a single season. Those ranged from 50.4 to 37.6. It has been just eight games, but Dončić is now slotted in at No. 3 and is topping the best non-Chamberlain mark, set by Michael Jordan (37.1) in 1986-87. Dončić, undeniably, has been the best player thus far. And now that LeBron James is no longer in Los Angeles, he’s able to fully orchestrate coach JJ Redick’s offense.
Also under consideration: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat (dropped out of rankings); Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (dropped out of rankings); Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets; Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies; Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
