HomeNBANBA MVP Power Rankings featuring DeMar DeRozan, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic | February 2022

Let us know more about the current NBA MVP Power Rankings

The KIA MVP race for the 2021-22 season is finely poised with multiple records being shattered this season. The statistics have reached new highs, with players pushing themselves to the limit. Unfortunately, leading candidate Kevin Durant has slid down the rankings due to a four-to-six week-long injury. LeBron James has been immense for the Lakers this season, but has missed several games with various injuries as well. The best record in the NBA is held by Phoenix Suns who are 40-9. The talisman of the team has been Chris Paul, once again. Paul has averaged聽14.0 points, 10.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds聽in 39 games this season.

Joel Embiid’s incredible run has propelled him into the Top 5 of the Power Rankings. There are also youngsters knocking on the door with Ja Morant having a monumental season with the Grizzlies. Let us take a look at the Top 5 players in contention for the illustrious award.

The top 5 players in the Power Rankings are as follows:

Rank 5: DeMar DeRozan

Previous week’s NBA MVP Power Ranking – 5th (-)

Overall: Games played – 49; Games won – 31; Games lost – 18

Overall: PPG – 26.4, APG – 5.0, RPG – 5.0

Overall: FG% – 50.2%, 3P% – 34.6%, SPG – 0.8

DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have been the cornerstone of the Bulls this season

DeRozan has been the standout player for the Chicago Bulls this season. The man touted to be a flop this season has surprised everyone with his outstanding display. His combination with Zach LaVine has made the Bulls a serious contender in the East.

The 32-18 record sees them at the top of the Eastern Conference, but a string of poor losses puts his place in jeopardy. DeRozan joined the Bulls this season from Spurs and has been rampant in the Bulls good form this season.

Rank 4: Chris Paul

Previous week’s NBA MVP Power Ranking – 6th (+2)

Overall: Games played – 50; Games won – 41; Games lost – 9

Overall: PPG – 14.9, APG – 10.4, RPG – 4.5

Overall: FG% – 49.0%, 3P% – 34.7%, SPG – 1.9

May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Paul provided a season-high 19 assists and added 20 points, eight rebounds, one steal and one block in Sunday’s 115-110 win over the Spurs. At 36, he has been in inspired form and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals last season. This year around, they have gone on two 10-game streaks and look favourites to lead the West.

Rank 3: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Previous week’s NBA MVP Power Ranking – 1st (-2)

Overall: Games played – 52; Games won – 31; Games lost – 21

Overall: PPG – 28.8, APG – 5.8, RPG – 11.2

Overall: FG% – 53.2%, SPG – 1.0, FT% – 71.9%

The 2-time MVP is coming up slowly but surely this season. After a slow start, the Greek Freak has been in fine form this year with a new supporting cast including Grayson Allen. Antetokounmpo is averaging over 70% from the free-throw line this season, and has improved massively in shooting threes.

Rank 2: Joel Embiid

Previous week’s NBA MVP Power Ranking – 2nd (-).

Overall: Games played – 50; Games won – 37; Games lost – 13.

Overall: PPG – 25.7, APG – 6.3, RPG – 5.5

Overall: 3P% – 37.6%, SPG – 1.5, FT% – 91.3%

Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets preview
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 06: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Cody Martin #11 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of the game at Spectrum Center on December 06, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Embiid is the most offensively talented big man in NBA currently. The Cameroonian center is putting up huge numbers in the absence of Ben Simmons. The team is currently 2nd in the West and boast a 31-19 record. Embiid is also having a massive impact on the defensive end. Embiid is surely one of the frontrunners this year, with performances so consistent. It will take a herculean effort from the other big names to step up their game in the final end of the season.

Rank 1: Nikola Jokic

Previous week’s NBA MVP Power Ranking – 3rd (+2).

Overall: Games played – 49; Games won – 28; Games lost – 21

Overall: PPG – 26.0, APG – 7.8, RPG – 13.7

Overall: FG% – 57.3%, SPG – 1.4, 3P% – 36.3%, FT% – 81%

Nikola Jokic against Clippers
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Dec 26, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jokic has made his way to the top yet again, after impressive showings in the last 4 games. He has helped the Nuggets to a 4-0 run and has looked rock solid at both ends. The reigning MVP is producing another stellar campaign, averaging 26 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists per game. His performance vs the Bucks shows why he is a frontrunner to retain his MVP crown once again.

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