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Updated February 12th, 2021 at 13:59 IST

NBA MVP Rankings: LeBron James continues to lead race, Joel Embiid and Jokic follow

NBA MVP Rankings: As the 2020-21 NBA season progresses, LeBron James leads the rankings while Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic continue to follow.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
nba mvp rankings
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Irrespective of how the NBA playoffs pan out, the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) is chosen. With reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo currently sixth on the ladder, most believe LeBron James is in line to win his fifth NBA MVP award. However, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic follow closely, and might just be able to tip the scales as the season progresses. 

Also read | Nikola Jokic, Denver end Utah's winning streak at 11

NBA MVP rankings (Straw poll results)

PLAYER1ST PLACE2ND PLACE3RD PLACE4TH PLACE5TH PLACE

TOTAL VOTES

TOTAL POINTS

LeBron James

5313237399760

Joel Embiid

23392864100665

Nikola Jokic

 

18371919598596

Kevin Durant

 

3818252175272

Kawhi Leonard

123273064153

Giannis Antetokounmpo

 

0058203266

Stephen Curry

111281336

Paul George

 

10021417

Luka Doncic

 

00200210

Jayson Tatum

0011028

LeBron James votes

With 753 votes last season, James lost the MVP award to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis. Now — with another title in his bag —James might be aiming for his fifth. The 36-year-old star is consistent this year and has even expressed disappointment on being snubbed last year. Playing his 18th year, James is averaging 25.5 points, 7.9 assists and 7.9 rebounds.

While he was better at assists last year, he is shooting a career 41% from the deep. The last time he won the award (2013), he was shooting just better than 40%. Recent straw poll results put James at 760 points, Embiid following. 

Also read | Joel Embiid feels playing FIFA is harder than guarding Lakers star Anthony Davis

Joel Embiid votes

Embiid, undoubtedly, is playing the best season of his NBA career — even leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the top seed in the East. He is shooting his career-best 55.3% from the field, and 39% from the free-throw line. The team too is performing better with Embiid on the roster. As per ESPN, the 76ers are 16-3 (win-loss) with Embiid and 1-4 without him. 

Also read | LeBron James confident to walk 'Beautifully' like Tom Brady after Lakers parade

Nikola Jokic votes

Jokic, who comes in third with 596 votes, is currently the only player who is top 10 in points, rebounds and assists. He is averaging 26.9 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.6 assists. As per reports, he is the first centre since Wilt Chamberlain (1968) to have led the league in assists, albeit briefly. Additionally, if Jokic or Embiid win, they will be the first centres to do so since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000. 

Also read | LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Paul George lead NBA MVP ladder during current season: NBA MVP rankings

NBA MVP voting system

Since decades, a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters (the USA and Canada) chose the NBA MVP for the year. The placements are done from the first to fifth place. The first vote receives 10 points, the second place carries seven points. The third, fourth and fifth place carry five, three and one point respectively. Steph Curry in the 2015-16 season is the only player to have won the award unanimously (2015-16 season). 

(Image credits: AP, Joel Embiid, Denver Nuggets Instagram)

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Published February 12th, 2021 at 13:59 IST

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