NBA One-Month Awards! The MVP of the season so far is …

(Bruno Rouby/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

We’re just one month into the NBA season. Only 18.6% of the games have been played. That’s nothing in the grand scheme of an 82-game grind. Teams are still finding their identity, rookies are adjusting to the league’s speed, and we haven’t even hit the trade rumor frenzy yet.

But early impressions matter. The first month sets the tone, establishes frontrunners, and gives us a glimpse into who’s primed to dominate the conversation all year. So, while it’s way too early to draw any definitive conclusions, it’s the perfect time to set a baseline with my one-month award ballot. Think of it as a snapshot of the league right now before chaos inevitably takes over.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

1. Nikola Jokić, Nuggets

Stats: 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 11.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1 block

Jokić is picking up right where he left off: He’s the best player in the NBA, an unstoppable scoring force who’s the symphony conductor of Denver’s offense, and the linchpin of the team’s defense. The Nuggets are nothing without him.

With three MVPs and a Finals MVP already on his résumé, this might somehow be peak Jokić. He’s setting career-highs in points, assists, steals, and blocks per game while shooting a ridiculous 56.4% from 3. In a year where Denver needs more shooting, of course Jokić steps up and delivers — because that’s what he does. He gives the Nuggets exactly what they need to win, and he dominates while doing it. No wonder he’s the MVP frontrunner again.

2. Jayson Tatum, Celtics

Stats: 29.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals

Tatum is putting together his most complete season yet. He’s diversifying his game in ways that make Boston’s offense hum. Tatum’s passing out of double teams is crisp, his shot selection is smarter, and he’s embracing a leadership role that’s visible in every possession. And it shows in the numbers since he’s scoring at career-high levels both in volume and in efficiency.

Oh, and the defense? Still elite. Tatum’s versatility on both ends is a huge reason the Celtics look like the league’s most balanced team once…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-one-month-awards-the-mvp-of-the-season-so-far-is-161333138.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-11-22 16:13:00

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