We’re in 2024 and a little less than half the games have been played. This is a good time to start looking at the league’s best players – and by proxy the league’s MVP thus far. 

The 10 Best NBA Players of 2023-24

1. Joel Embiid’s, Philadelphia 76ers: Reigning Kia MVP Joel Embiid has been one of the most unstoppable players in NBA history. Despite playing in 29 games and missing significant time recently, still holds the top spot in the Kia MVP Ladder. However, his grip is weakening due to a knee issue that sidelined him for Philadelphia’s recent losses, including an overtime defeat at Atlanta.

The Sixers, without Embiid, have lost three straight games, and the star center is expected to miss more games, including the upcoming one against Sacramento. Under new league rules, players need to feature in at least 65 games to be eligible for major awards, putting Embiid’s MVP chances in jeopardy. Despite the challenges, Embiid’s season stats are impressive, with averages of 34.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. He’s on track to become the first player since 1975-76 to average at least 30 points and two blocks in a season.

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: Jokic is close on Embiid’s heels as far as the NBA’s best players this season. With the Nuggets performing well again this season. Jokic’s averages of 25.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game, coupled with recent high shooting percentages, make him a strong contender.  Hmmm… Embiid and Jokic are at the top of the list of MVP contenders yet again – can we finally have a Denver-Philadelphia NBA Finals please? If so, BetMGM are offering a bonus code to bettors in Virginia and around the country. I’ll take Embiid in the head-to-head as he seems to want to destroy The Joker everytime he plays him. Oh and the Sixers are 6-2 when both play.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, leading the Thunder to record-breaking victories. As of this post, SGA is averaging 31.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game with the Oklahoma City Thunder sitting second in the Western Conference.

4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: The barely-25 year old Doncic continues to play better. His season averages of 33.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists are fantasy basketball wet dreams. Despite a recent ankle sprain, his consistent high scoring and partnership with Kyrie Irving keep him in MVP contention and Dallas Mavericks in contention for home court in the NBA playoffs..

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: A season of some ups and downs. Despite the team’s recent inconsistency, Antetokounmpo remains the player for the Bucks with averages of 31.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists and Milwaukee is second in the East.

6. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers: After the Harden trade, the Clippers were a mess. The only consistent this season has been Leonard who has uncharacteristically played in nearly ever Clipper game this season. His 24 points on nearly 50-40-90 thus far shows how great he’s been.

7. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: Tatum is another great year. His 27.4 points and 8.3 rebounds are down from last season except that his FG% and three point shooting have improved over 2022-23. With the Boston Celtics number one in the Eastern Conference, Tatum’s contributions in keeping the Celtics in top form can not and should not be understated.

8. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns: It’s crazy to think that the 35-year old Durant is having one of his best seasons statistically with 29 points per game on nearly 50-40-90. When Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have been out – which has been a lot this season – Durant has kept the Suns afloat.

9. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers: Haliburton’s rise this season is a testament to his growing impact in the league. The dynamic point guard is continuing to be a great player after showing out in this past summer’s World Cup of Basketball. While the USA ultimately lost, it wasn’t because of Haliburton, Anthony Edwards or Austin Reaves.

10. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers: While the Lakers aren’t one of the league’s top teams this season; they’re faring well enough to potentially stay out of the play-in. That’s in large part to Davis’ performance this season. Like Leonard, he’s played in almost every Lakers game and is showing why he’s one of the league’s best players when healthy. His #10 ranking on this list is only because the Lakers aren’t elite in the standings.

As the NBA season progresses, Embiid’s MVP status hangs in the balance due to injuries and league rules. Other top players like Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Doncic continue to make their case with outstanding performances, keeping the MVP race competitive and exciting. The league’s landscape is witnessing shifts with these players’ impactful games, promising an intriguing continuation of the season.