Anthony Davis (left) and Jayson Tatum are already battling for a spot in the Kia MVP chase.

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The podium this week: It comes in a trickle at first. Then it will build up steam, gather evidence, gain traction. In a few months the image will begin to crystallize and become legitimate.

But now? The race for the top spot in our Race to the MVP ladder has just begun.

And at every beginning, everything must be seen through a prism of newness and recognized as a small sample size. Nevertheless, the group of players mentioned below, who flexed their elbows to box out and grab the precious pole position to climb the ladder, are all deserving, all accomplished, all… expected to be here.

Like Anthony Davis, the first out of the gate in 2024-2025.

The impact on both sides so far is undeniable, the value to the Lakers is undeniable. Davis plays at an elite level most nights on both offense and defense, and there aren’t many players like him in that regard.

One statistic to know: Defensive MVP Nikola Jokić won’t surrender without a fight. He leads the Denver Nuggets in points, rebounds, assists and blocks this season. Since 2017-18, he has led the Nuggets in all but one of four categories, and that is the true measure of someone’s importance to the team.

What they say: “Our job is to give him the opportunity to have a monster year on both sides of the basketball. And I thought he had a monster year last year. “But I think the way we want to play, he’ll be shown as he always is, but hopefully he’ll be involved all the time as well.” — Lakers coach JJ Redick on Davis.

1. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Season Stats: 32.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg

His case: No one had a better start to 2024-25 than Davis, who put up big numbers and devoured opponents in the first few weeks. He looks starved, like he’s… never won MVP before? This opening run is among the best plays we’ve ever seen from Davis. He leads the league in scoring and does so on both ends.

Of course, the disclaimer when it comes to Davis: Can he stay healthy? He is now dealing with a recurring foot injury that has forced him to miss a match, could see a speed bump thrown his way and a subsequent drop in the rankings. Can he shoot the ball with his fingers crossed? We’ll see.

2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Season Stats: 30.2 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.8 apg

His case: He exudes the air of a player on a redemption tour. That’s strange for someone who won an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in three summer months. But he didn’t get a Finals MVP and was benched twice during the Paris Games, so perhaps Tatum is burning a little inside.

This much we know: Tatum is dropping 3 balls at a personal best rate (4.2 makes on 11.4 attempts per game). He leads the shot-making Celtics because his game looks sharp and so does his team.

3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Season Stats: 28.8 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 11 apg

His case: He was the league’s most impactful player last season, winning MVP for the third time, and so far nothing has changed. The Joker averages a triple-double. He ranks in the top five in scoring, rebounds and assists – coming off a blowout 26-20-16 loss to OKC for its first loss. He’s actually a handful again.

The difference is that the Nuggets are struggling (or initially were). That’s not all about Jokić, though, and it’s still early. The gap between his No. 3 spot and No. 1 – a place where he is known – could quickly close.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Season Stats: 26 ppg, 6 rpg, 6.8 apg

His case: His team wins and he produces. Normally, that’s a recipe for MVP success, and of all the players in this top five, Gilgeous-Alexander brings the best of those credentials.

Both need to hold on over the coming months to give him an edge, and so far all signs are positive. He dropped 28 points with eight assists and seven rebounds in the opener against Jokić, which was a telling start.

5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Season Stats: 23.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.1 apg

His case: Like Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell is benefiting from a solid individual start, with the added bonus of being a conference leader. His 30.2 mpg is the lowest of his career and yet his production per minute is great. Mitchell’s game-winner against the Bucks is among his best shots so far this season.

Mitchell isn’t looking forward to the Cavaliers staying afloat in the east loft. With the Sixers and Bucks stumbling and needing a few weeks to catch up, the Cavs could be Boston’s biggest threat between now and Christmas. If Mitchell continues to perform as a playmaker, it’s entirely possible.

The next five:

6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
8. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
10. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

And five more (arranged alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Yes Morant, Memphis Grizzlies; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can email him here, his archive can be found here and follow him on X.

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