NBA MVP Ladder: Giannis, Luka start the 2020-21 season as the favorites

Giannis, Luka lead the NBA MVP ladder to start 2020-21

There is a lot that goes into being a candidate for NBA MVP. Drive, dedication, and an innate ability to lead a team to success are just a few of the characteristics an MVP must possess. They also have to be leaders, be consistently great but most of all provide value for their team.

Here are some of the early MVP candidates heading into the start of the 2020-21 NBA season.

NBA MVP candidate: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic is one of the most exciting players to watch due to his immense skill set for a player his size, Jokic was largely responsible for the Denver Nuggets securing the No. 3 seed in the West last season leading them on a run to the Conference Finals.

His high IQ and decision making in the Nuggets offense was the main reason it ran so efficiently with his unreal passing ability for a big man. There has been some debate about Jokic being the best center in the NBA and rightfully so. His versatility also sets him apart as he can get down and dirty while banging in the paint or spreading the floor and knocking down the the mid-range shot.

Opponents have to pick their poison as Jokic can score baskets in a variety of ways. The rapport he has developed with fellow up-and-coming star Jamal Murray is very dynamic, to say the least as they will beat opponents into submission with their 2-man game.

Surrounded by plenty of talent, Jokic is the cog that makes everything go, and without him, the Nuggets would regress making his value essential to the Nuggets’ success. He draws so much attention and and makes it easy for his teammates while constantly putting up good numbers while coming through in clutch situations. Some may not view Jokic as a top-3 MVP candidate but he does deserve a place in the conversation for the award.