Duke basketball product jumps one spot in MVP race

Jayson Tatum is still hanging around in the MVP race.

Matt Giles | Feb 10, 2023

Duke basketball product jumps one spot in MVP race /

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Duke Blue Devils

Early in the season, former Duke basketball forward and current Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum looked like the favorite to win the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player Award. No Blue Devil has ever worn that crown.

Last week, though, Tatum fell to No. 4 on the Kia MVP Ladder, his lowest ranking there since holding down the top spot in mid-December. However, the 24-year-old made up some ground in this week's Friday update, moving to No. 3 as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid dropped two rungs to No. 4.

Tatum's primary stats mark impressive career-highs: 30.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Furthermore, his 46.2 percent shooting from the field is the best since the former No. 3 overall draft pick's rookie season in 2017-18 following his one-and-done Duke basketball campaign.

On the other hand, Tatum's numbers aren't as eye-popping as the two players above him: Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic at No. 1 on the Kia MVP Ladder and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at No. 2.

After all, Jokic, the reigning two-time MVP, is averaging a triple-double with 24.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 10.1 assists. As for Antetokounmpo, who took home the trophy in the two years before Jokic's current streak, he enjoys a massive double-double average with 32.3 points and 12.4 boards, not to mention 5.4 assists per game.

But Tatum has at least one thing going for him: the Celtics' league-best record at 39-16. Moreover, he's played in more games (52) than either Jokic (48) or Antetokounmpo (44).

That said, Jokic's Nuggets sit atop the Western Conference standings at 38-18. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo's Bucks are 38-17, only 1.0 games back of the Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics hope to win their third straight game when they host the Charlotte Hornets (15-41) at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published Feb 10, 2023

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.