NBA MVP Race Player Rankings: James Harden back into the top 10?

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NBA, James Harden Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous: 2nd. Joel Embiid. 6. player. 93. .

Since last rank: 9.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.5 BPG

Shooting splits: .375/.500/.500

Joel Embiid is where it gets tricky among players who remain in the top 10 but missed time. He is currently out for the Philadelphia 76ers for at least the next two games with a knee injury and his time on the floor in the only game he played over the last week was brief and ineffective.

Is it fair to keep Embiid in the top 10 while taking CJ McCollum out entirely? Considering the fact that he will miss less time and his team will likely still be in the mix at the top of their conference when he gets back, I think so. However as time goes on and players miss more games because of COVID and injuries, the criteria we use to hold or drop players may have to change as a result.

Previous: . Paul George. 5. player. 77. .

Since last rank: 24.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.0 APG

Shooting splits: .561/.500/.941

Paul George’s inclusion in this MVP ranking is long overdue. The fact that he wasn’t even a snub a week ago had to be made up for and jumping him right into the middle of the pack is more than deserved. He’s been absolutely outstanding for the LA Clippers and shooting the lights out on high volume.

While George’s teammate Kawhi Leonard might be so good that he doesn’t get legitimate MVP buzz, that shouldn’t take away from the spectacular season he’s been having for the Clippers. Keep a close eye on Paul George this season.