NBA Power Rankings: 5 Dark horses for 2020-21 MVP award

#3 Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic

Voted as the best center in the league in the 2020-21 NBA GM survey, Nikola Jokic is clearly in the best shape of his life. Aged 25, the Joker is just entering his prime and is already amongst the best passers in the modern game.

The Denver Nuggets are hungry and motivated to take the next step in their quest for a title. And if that dream is to come to fruition, the Serbian will have to improve on the 24.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists he managed in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.

#2 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid is set to benefit immensely from the slew of new acquisitions made by the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason. The presence of quality 3-and-D players means that Embiid will now have better spacing to be more impactful on offense.

12/15/20 (Preseason)Joel Embiid vs Celtics (17 min)18 points (6-14 FG) (6-6 FT)3 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals pic.twitter.com/PcC6GCn19h

— Jayhawks In The NBA (@NBA_Jayhawks) December 16, 2020

Embiid's numbers dropped to 23 points and 11 rebounds per game in the 2019-20 campaign but that was also due to his injury concerns. If he stays fit, he can lead the Philadelphia 76ers' charge in the Eastern Conference this season and bag the NBA MVP honors in the process.

#1 Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum

When the Boston Celtics drafted Jayson Tatum in 2017, they didn't know he'll become this good so quickly. Already an impressive defender, Tatum was the Celtics' leader on both ends of the court in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, averaging 25.7 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

Jayson Tatum’s ability to get the shot he wants is just crazy pic.twitter.com/Jeu1nvYJpi

— ☘️ 𝘽𝙊𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙉 𝘾𝙀𝙇𝙏𝙄𝘾𝙎 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ☘️ (@BosCelticsNews_) December 19, 2020

Now listed at 6'10 for the upcoming season, Tatum can basically guard every position and drain a bucket from anywhere on the court. Gordon Hayward's departure will also put the onus on him to elevate his game to the next level.

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