2018-19 NBA MVP Ladder: October edition

5. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin feels like the most likely candidate to fall off this list in a month or two, but for these first two weeks, he’s been absolutely sensational for a surprising Detroit Pistons team that started the season 4-0.

The Pistons may have lost three straight games since then, but they all came in tight contests and Griffin’s numbers still warrant a spot in the top five. After many wrote him off following that overpriced contract and subsequent trade to Motown, the Flyin’ Lion has come out swinging, posting 27.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

Dwane Casey wasn’t lying when he said this team would play through its star, but aside from his duties as the team’s point forward, Griffin has also been scorching hot from 3-point range, knocking down 48.7 percent of his whopping 5.6 attempts per game.

Are those numbers sustainable? Probably not. More than likely, the Pistons will wind up in that 4-8 range in the playoff picture and Griffin’s stat line will come back down to earth. For the time being, however, his rip-roaring start deserves recognition in the early MVP ladder.