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NBA MVP Ladder Week 22: Clash of titans at the top

By Michael Shearer

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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NBA MVP Ladder
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts, NBA MVP Ladder Week 22: Clash of the titans at the top. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA MVP Ladder: 4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Rank last week: 5

Pts/Rebs/Asts/Stls/Blks: 26.8/8.2/4.2/1.0/0.7

FG%/3P%/FT%: 44.0/33.7/85.2

Off EPM / Def EPM: +3.8/+1.2

Jayson Tatum clings to this spot over Morant and Doncic despite losing a close one to the Mavs thanks to his continued two-way work ethic. No other wing in the NBA has Tatum’s combination of balletic scoring grace and defensive chops, and his ability to go hard on both ends speaks volumes about his will to win.

Tatum has been so good for so long it’s hard to imagine he just turned 24 years old. He’s reaching the age where his maturity is catching up to his physical talents, and he’s starting to see the floor better than ever before.

Over the last ten games, Tatum has been averaging 4.6 assists, which ranks second on the team, and 8.7 potential assists. A solid rebounder, defender, and scorer, playmaking is the last area that Tatum has yet to master. If he can average over five assists per game next season and continues to hone his decision-making and shot selection, he could be at the forefront of the MVP debate as soon as next year.

But this season, the big (in every sense) three are too far ahead right now. That being said, voters are guaranteed to get tired of voting for the same three guys every year. Antetokounmpo is already a two-time MVP, Jokic has one trophy and might be adding a second, and Embiid’s health is a constant question mark. Despite their continued dominance, the field could be wide open for new entrants as soon as next season.