Kings' Domantas Sabonis Rises in Latest NBA MVP Ladder

The NBA MVP race is extremely tight, approaching the halfway point of the regular season, and the Sacramento Kings All-NBA big man Domantas Sabonis is gaining respect across the league. After being ranked eighth in the Kia NBA MVP ladder last week, Sabonis has risen to seventh, passing former King Tyrese Haliburton.

The MVP ladder is headlined by Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid at the top. The complete top ten follows:

1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

6. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

7. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

8. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

9. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

10. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

Sabonis has been on a historic streak, averaging 24.0 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists through the last 11 games, shooting 66.1% from the field. Sabonis ranks second in the NBA in triple-doubles with nine, only trailing Denver Nuggets' Jokic. The Kings' big man has taken the crown for most double-doubles in the league with 33, including 20 consecutive.

While Sabonis might not be averaging 30+ points per game like four of the top five guys, he has taken over as the most impressive player in Sacramento, while All-Star teammate De'Aaron Fox has struggled at times. Willing the Kings to a 23-14 record, Sabonis has proven to be as valuable as any other player in the league, 

Sabonis has been one of the most consistent players in the NBA and is getting the respect he deserves. While Sabonis will have to do much more to pass the guys ahead of him, being recognized as the seventh most valuable player in the league is a fantastic sight.