Where’s Nikola Jokic? The 3x MVP has missed three straight games because of personal reasons. Moreover, with no telephone calls from Serbia, the Denver Nuggets franchise wonders what’s boiling up. He is their main guy and the MVP race is shifting its course, too. For the last four years, Jokic’s three MVP titles have separated him from the rest. With Embiid prevailing in 2023, it’s time for Jokic to get his sweet revenge. Yet, there is a catch.

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum slowly climbs up the ladder to challenge Nikola Jokic according to Legion Hoops post on X. Tatum’s performances in the 2024 NBA finals could have fetched him the MVP. But Jaylen Brown said a few words for his brother from another mother: “I share this with my brothers. My partner-in-crime, Jayson Tatum, he was with me the whole way. We share this s–t together.”

You know, after the NBA title, his hands are itching to get an MVP title. We know it, Jayson. He’s certainly gaining a clear advantage with Jokic nowhere in the picture. The KIA MVP is chipping and chopping each passing week and there are new players in the town.

As for Jokic, coach Michael Malone remains unsure about his return. In an interview, he stated, “I have no idea about Friday. Obviously, there’s no news out of Denver. So we will revisit that when we get home.” It drops the question of how Jokic would lose a battle in the MVP race. Looking at the stats, certainly not.

The burly Serbian ranks 4th in most points (29.7), and tops the charts in rebounds (13.7), assists (11.7), 3-point% (56.4), and 2nd chance points (5.7). Mind you, this is a center we are talking about. Let that sink in! Undoubtedly, at this rate, he is the league’s undisputed MVP!

But don’t sleep on Tatum and another remarkable center who’s having the time of his life!

Can Jayson Tatum overthrow Nikola Jokic to claim his 1st MVP?

For Tatum, he has loosened his shoulders and playing games to his tunes. With no pressure to land an NBA title in Boston, he wants two shining crowns on his head – an NBA title and an MVP title. The Deuce looks like he can do it. His effective field goal percentage remains 57.1%, his career-best in Boston. Maybe he took the MVP finals snub and the Olympics drama with Steve Kerr, ‘personal’, like an NBA legend.

He’s full steam ahead and with Jokic’s absence, he leads the way. Wait a minute, though. If Anthony Davis stays healthy and plays like he’s been playing, the two don’t have a chance!

In the paint, the Los Angeles Lakers center averages 17.8 points as evidenced in most games. He sets picks, lateral quickness inside the pain leaves defenders bamboozled, and scores points aplenty. If he’s not injured, AD can conjure 30.7 points (career-best) when he’s on the court. But fans take a deep breath when he goes up high and lands on the floor. Touchwood, nothing happens to AD as he carries on.

The MVP race remains tight this time. You can’t forget Giannis Antetokounmpo too with his presence for the Bucks. Even though they lie in 10th and got a minor 2-game winning streak in their bags, the Greek Freak has carried them on his broad shoulders.

It’s exciting to see all the competition. Yet, wait until Joker returns to your screens!