NBA: Curry leads early MVP race, Jokic & Durant next up

Let’s dive into the current MVP favorites as the race starts to take shape!

5. Jimmy Butler (Heat)

2021-22 Stats: 24.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.9 SPG, 53.0 FG%

The heart and soul of the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler has started the 2021-22 campaign off with a bang. He was recently sidelined with an ankle injury but returned to the lineup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Butler was impressive, leading Miami to a 15-point win over New Orleans despite being without Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry, and Markieff Morris. Butler finished the game with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists while shooting 10/18 from the floor.

4. DeMar DeRozan (Bulls)

2021-22 Stats: 26.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 50.0 FG%

DeMar DeRozan has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The Chicago Bulls swingman has set the bar high once again in Chi-town. With the help of teammate Zach LaVine, the Bulls are in a prime position to make a deep playoff run this season. DeRozan is having the best year of his career, averaging the most points since the 2016-17 season. He is making a strong case for MVP with his next-level play.

3. Kevin Durant (Nets)

2021-22 Stats: 28.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.0 3PM, 55.8 FG%

Kevin Durant's recent struggles have dropped his MVP stock thus far. In the last three games, Durant is averaging 23.0 points per game on 42.6% shooting from the field. He recently played former teammate Stephen Curry and Golden State in one of the most anticipated matchups this season. The Curry-led Warriors demolished KD and the Nets 117-99 on the road. Durant does still lead the league in scoring with 28.6 points per game.

2. Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)

2021-22 Stats: 26.1 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 59.3 FG%

The reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic has continued his dominant reign into the new season. Even without the services of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter, Jokic has single handedly carried this Nuggets franchise but has struggled of late with a 3-game losing streak. Despite all that, the Nuggets sit at 9-8 and just one game out of the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Jokic ranks 2nd in the NBA in rebounds and 5th in points per game.

1. Stephen Curry (Warriors)

2021-22 Stats: 28.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 40.6 3P%

There is not much to say here. Stephen Curry is simply the best player in the world! Curry is currently 2nd in the league in scoring at nearly 29 points per game and has the Warriors sitting with the best record in the entire NBA at 15-2. Golden State also has the highest net rating (+13.1) and rank in the top three in both defense and offense efficiency. Curry picked up right where he left off a year ago and it looks like a third MVP could be in his future.

Photo Credit: San Diego Tribune.