NBA MVP Power Rankings: Joel Embiid steady on top; Giannis makes a move up

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Seemingly operating under the radar through the first quarter of the season in the Western Conference, Nikola Jokic continues to prove that he is the best player in the NBA. Whether you're willing to believe it or not, that's very much the case. Jokic is somehow on pace to have the most productive season of his career thus far, averaging 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists per game on 57 percent shooting from the field.

He hasn't been as efficient on the offensive end as he's been in previous years but he's continuing to be the anchor for a team that could very well end up winning it all again this season. Short of a collapse at some point this season, the Nuggets are going to finish as a top 3 seed in the Western Conference. They're then going to enter the season as a favorite to win the championship.

How far they go will largely depend on how far Jokic can help carry them. The Nuggets are considered one of the deeper teams in the NBA but without Jokic they're not a championship contender. That should tell you all you need to know about just how important Jokic is to Denver.