What does 'in the MVP conversation' mean? It's a way to acknowledge a player's strong season without explicitly stating that they should win the award. The concept of the MVP Conversation Bar was created to illustrate this, featuring only select players discussing their seasons. Current players in the MVP conversation include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, and Anthony Edwards. This list may change in the coming months.

By the Numbers
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Averaging 31.1 points, 64.9% true shooting, and 2.2 steals per game.
  • Nikola Jokić: Averaging 26.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 9.0 assists, with 15 triple-doubles.
  • Kawhi Leonard: Scoring a team-high 24.1 points per game with 63.8% true shooting.
  • Luka Dončić: Second-leading scorer (34.1) and experiencing the best shooting of his career.
  • Jayson Tatum: Best player on the best overall team, the East-leading Celtics.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo: Averaging 30-11-6 and shooting 61.1% from the field.
  • Donovan Mitchell: Leading the East's second-best team with 28.3 points per game.
  • Anthony Edwards: Leading the best team in the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
State of Play
  • Terry Rozier has a sprained right knee and will be evaluated week-to-week.
  • Josh Richardson has suffered a dislocated right shoulder and is expected to be re-evaluated in a few weeks.
  • All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis is approaching, with 10 big games in the NBA.
  • Confusing comments were made by referee Ed Malloy and Spencer Dinwiddie.
Bottom Line

"In the MVP conversation" is a way to acknowledge strong performances without outright declaring a player as the award winner. Current top candidates include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, and Anthony Edwards. The race may shift in the next few months.