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Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics was the early-season favorite to win the MVP award. Tatum's production didn't go down or the Celtics' performance as a team wavered, but he was overtaken by other MVP candidates.
According to the latest Kia MVP Ladder on NBA.com, Tatum is currently ranked fourth behind Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jokic continues to be amazing for the Denver Nuggets, while Joel Embiid is leading the Philadelphia 76ers.
Antetokounmpo has been hampered by injuries this season, but remains arguably the best player in basketball when healthy. As for Tatum, he's having the best season of his career so far. He's averaging 30.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game.
But how does Jayson Tatum's stats this season compare to the three other MVP candidates mentioned above? Let's take a closer look.
Nikola Jokic vs Jayson Tatum
The reigning back-to-back MVP is having another stellar season with the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple-double of 24.7 ppg, 11.9 rbg, 10.0 apg with 1.2 steals per game. He's also shooting 63.0% from the field, 40.5% from beyond the arc, and 81.7% from the free-throw line.
Jokic is scoring less than Tatum, but grabs more rebounds and creates more than him. He's also been incredibly efficient this season, while also leading the Nuggets to the best record in the Western Conference. He's second in rebounds per game and fourth in assists per game this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Jayson Tatum
"The Greek Freak" has missed 15 games so far this season but has been a monster when healthy. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 31.5 ppg, 11.9 rbg, and 5.5 apg. He's currently fourth in scoring averages this season and third in rebounds per game.
Antetokounmpo has better points, rebounds, and assists per game than Jayson Tatum. He's also shooting better from the field but remains an inconsistent shooter. He's shooting 28.4% from beyond the arc and 65.4% from the charity stripe, compared to Tatum's 35.2% and 86.0%, respectively.
Joel Embiid vs Jayson Tatum
Joel Embiid remains motivated to win the MVP after being voted as runner-up to Nikola Jokic the past two seasons. Embiid raised his game this season, averaging 33.4 ppg, 10.0 rbg, 4.1 apg, 1.1spg, and 1.6 blocks per game. He's been a great player on both sides of the ball.
In comparison to Jayson Tatum, Embiid is a better scorer and rebounder. The Philadelphia 76ers are also creeping up to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference standings. Tatum will have to raise his game even more if he wants to take a shot at winning the MVP.
