NBA MVP Ladder Week 24: A new name enters the fray

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks attempts to block a shot by Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on March 29, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, NBA MVP Ladder Week 24: A new name enters the fray. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Folks, we have less than two weeks left of the regular season. That means the MVP race is almost over, but there’s still plenty of uncertainty throughout the ballot. The fourth and fifth spots are entirely up for grabs, while the top three players are all jumbled up.

It’s been a weird year. Between historic statistical outliers, COVID-related uncertainty, and more parity than the league has seen in years, the media has had an incredibly difficult time parsing the MVP contenders. Soon, though, they’ll have to make their final decision.

Before we get there, I want to take the time to honor a handful of players who have performed incredibly this season and deserve praise.

Week 24 NBA MVP Ladder: Honorable Mentions

LeBron James: Currently leading the league in scoring on high efficiency, but that’s about the only nice thing you can say about the Lakers right now. (Rank last week: HM)

Karl Anthony-Towns: A Wolves-Grizzlies first-round matchup would be incredible. Jaren Jackson Jr. guarding Karl Anthony-Towns would become must-watch television. (Rank last week: HM)

Ja Morant: Deserves to be on the ballot, but the missed games keep piling up. (Rank last week: HM)

DeMar DeRozan: DeRozan is trying his best, but the Bulls continue to tumble down the standings. (Rank last week: HM)

Jayson Tatum: Robert Williams’ injury threatens the Celtics’ feel-good run, jeopardizing Tatum’s chances of making the ballot. (Rank last week: 5)