Who Will Win the 2024 NBA Regular Season MVP Award This Year?

2025-11-15 13:00

As I sit here watching the latest NBA highlights, I can't help but ponder one of the most exciting questions in basketball right now: who will claim the 2024 NBA Regular Season MVP award? Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen sense for these MVP races, and this year feels particularly special. The competition is fierce, with several players putting up historic numbers that make this one of the most memorable seasons in recent history. When I think about what makes an MVP candidate, it's not just about statistics - though they certainly matter - but about that intangible quality of elevating everyone around them, much like how National University middle blocker Peng Taguibolos added seven crucial markers in their recent game, demonstrating how individual excellence can impact team success in profound ways.

The conversation inevitably begins with Nikola Jokić, who's having another phenomenal season with the Denver Nuggets. I've been absolutely mesmerized by his playmaking abilities - the man is averaging 26.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game as of last week's statistics. What separates Jokić from other elite players, in my view, is his basketball IQ. He sees the game two steps ahead of everyone else, making passes that even veteran point guards wouldn't attempt. I remember watching their game against Boston last month where he recorded his 15th triple-double of the season with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. The way he controlled that game without forcing shots was pure artistry. Some analysts argue that voter fatigue might work against him, but when a player is this dominant, how can you deny him?

Then there's Luka Dončić, who's putting up video game numbers that defy logic. The Dallas Mavericks superstar is currently leading the league in scoring at 34.8 points per game while adding 9.5 rebounds and 9.9 assists. I've never seen someone so young handle this much offensive responsibility with such grace. His 73-point explosion against Atlanta earlier this season wasn't just impressive - it was historic. Though the Mavericks have struggled with consistency at times, Dončić has single-handedly kept them in playoff contention. If they can secure a top-four seed in the Western Conference, which I believe they will, his MVP case becomes incredibly strong. The international flavor of this year's race is particularly fascinating to me, reflecting basketball's global growth.

We can't ignore Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has transformed the Oklahoma City Thunder into legitimate contenders. His leap this season has been remarkable to witness - averaging 31.4 points with unbelievable efficiency. What impresses me most about SGA is his mid-range game, which has become virtually unstoppable. He's shooting 54.7% from the field, which is outrageous for a guard handling his volume. Having watched his development over the years, I'm convinced he's the most improved player in the league. The Thunder's surprising success - currently sitting at third in the West with 47 wins - gives him a compelling narrative that MVP voters often favor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo deserves serious consideration too, though I feel his case has been somewhat overlooked in national conversations. The Milwaukee Bucks star is putting up 31.2 points and 11.5 rebounds while anchoring their defense. His physical dominance remains unparalleled - when he gets a full head of steam toward the basket, there's simply no stopping him. I was at the Bucks-Lakers game last month where he dropped 46 points, and the sheer force he plays with is even more impressive in person. However, the Bucks' mid-season coaching change and defensive struggles might hurt his chances, fair or not.

The dark horse candidate who's captured my attention is Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. While his individual numbers (27.3 points, 8.4 rebounds) might not jump off the page compared to others, his impact on the league's best team cannot be overstated. The Celtics have been absolutely dominant, on pace for around 64 wins, and Tatum is their engine. What I appreciate about his game this season is how he's embraced playmaking, averaging a career-high 4.9 assists while taking smarter shots. His leadership has visibly improved, and in crucial moments, he's been spectacular.

As we approach the season's final stretch, I'm leaning toward Jokić for the award, though it's incredibly close. His combination of individual excellence and team success, plus the historical significance of what he's accomplishing, gives him the edge in my book. The Nuggets have the second-best record in the West at 52-23, and Jokić has been their consistent force throughout. What seals it for me is his remarkable consistency - he's had only three games all season where he scored fewer than 20 points. In a race this tight, that reliability matters immensely. The MVP discussion reminds me of how individual excellence in sports always exists within a team context, similar to how Peng Taguibolos' seven markers contributed to National University's broader success - every great performance happens within an ecosystem of teamwork and strategy.

Ultimately, this might be one of those years where multiple players have legitimate claims to the trophy, and the final voting could be surprisingly close. I wouldn't be shocked if any of the top three candidates - Jokić, Dončić, or Gilgeous-Alexander - walked away with the honor. Each brings something unique to the table, and each has transformed their team in meaningful ways. What's certain is that we're witnessing one of the most competitive MVP races in recent memory, showcasing the incredible talent currently gracing the NBA. As a basketball fan, I'm just grateful to watch these artists at work, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the court night after night.