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NBA MVP Ladder Week 21: New name enters the top five

By Michael Shearer

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 31: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks defends Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Mavericks defeat the Celtics 113-108. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 31: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks defends Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Mavericks defeat the Celtics 113-108. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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NBA MVP Ladder Week 21: New name enters the top five
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 17: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks at DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at FedExForum on January 17, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee, NBA MVP Ladder Week 21: New name enters the top five. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

The season has fewer than twenty games remaining, and the MVP race is closer than ever. At least eight players have a legitimate shot at making the ballot, and the number would be higher if it weren’t for some unfortunate injuries. Every single spot will be going down to the wire.

Week 21 NBA MVP Ladder: Honorable Mentions

LeBron James: The raw numbers continue to astound, and James’ latest masterpiece (a 56-point outing to come back against the Golden State Warriors) reminded the world that nobody wants to see this guy in a seven-game series. But the team’s lack of success guarantees that James will be on the outside looking in when the race comes to a close. (Rank last week: N/R)

Chris Paul: The hand injury torpedoed Paul’s chances, which is too bad. He would’ve been a shoo-in for the fourth or fifth spot on this ballot. He’ll be falling off this list entirely in the coming weeks, so let’s just take one last chance to celebrate Paul’s incredible accomplishments this season. (Rank last week: N/R)

Steph Curry: Curry’s played a bit better recently, but it hasn’t translated to team success, as Draymond Green’s absence and Klay Thompson’s struggles continue to torpedo the squad. You know Curry would have loved one more MVP, but getting himself and his team ready for the playoffs has taken precedence. (Rank last week: HM)

DeMar DeRozan: DeRozan has cooled off of late, but he continues to post substantial numbers while leading the Bull’s injury-ravaged squad. His odds of making the ballot depend heavily upon the Bulls’ final seeding. (Rank last week: HM)

Ja Morant: The toughest omission on this list, Morant continues to amaze on a nightly basis. A solid finish to the end of the season should get him back on the ballot by year’s end. It’s crazy to think that Morant is on the fringe of the MVP debate instead of front and center, but the competition has never been fiercer. (Rank last week: 4)