Dallas Mavericks: Where does Luka Doncic stand in the MVP race?

5.  Nikola Jokic- Denver Nuggets

Deciding on which player deserved the fifth spot was difficult. Jayson Tatum has surged his way into the conversation by averaging 29.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 block in his nine games since the All-Star break. He is the trendy name, but still firmly outside the top five.

More from The Smoking Cuban

• Mavericks: How to maximize Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis pairing
• Dallas Mavericks: Did they do enough this offseason to jump into title contention?
• Mavericks: What to watch for as Dallas faces Utah Jazz in summer league
• Dallas Mavericks rumors: Bulls want first round pick for Lauri Markkanen
• Mavericks: Teammates look to collect debts after Luka Doncic’s extension

Consideration was given to Russell Westbrook and Jimmy Butler, but they missed the cut too. That left Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis as the top names to round out the five. Davis has been incredible on both sides of the ball, but being teammates with LeBron hurts his case to win leaving Kawhi and Jokic as the last two candidates.

The decision could go either way. Jokic is one of only five players in NBA history to average over 20 points, ten rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game for a season. Kawhi is coming off leading the Raptors to a championship and ranks in the top ten in both points and steals per game. The two teams sit second and third in the Western Conference too.

Ultimately, the deciding factor was playing time. Jokic has 14 more games under his belt this season. That broke the virtual tie and gave the nod to the Joker.

Next: No. 4