— Note: NBA2KLeague’s Race to the MVP, to be released each week during the season, is the opinion of this writer and does not reflect the views of the NBA 2K League or its clubs. —

As the NBA 2K League Draft unfolded, it wasn’t a surprise to see a run of point guards in the first round. When it came time for 76ers GC’s pick, seven point guards were off the board prior to their selection of Radiant at No. 14 overall.

The pick was glossed over at the time by many not as familiar with Radiant as the other playmakers taken ahead of him. That certainly changed as soon as the inaugural season began.

In a league driven by strong play at point guard, Radiant has proven to be among the most valuable players, not only at his position but across all others. His play has made him the early leader for the league’s top individual honor.

Here’s the initial list of 10 contenders in the Race to the MVP.

1. Radiant, 76ers GC

Stats: 19.0 points, 12.0 assists, 2.5 steals

Radiant has been the league’s most consistent player since the season opened with THE TIPOFF. He’s the reason 76ers GC has been the surprise team to this juncture, as he ranks in the top three among point guards in points, assists and steals. Even when he’s not having a great shooting performance, as was the case during last week’s doubleheader (2-for-11 from 3), Radiant effortlessly facilitates one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses and is active on the defensive end.

2. OneWildWalnut, Blazer5 Gaming

Stats: 18.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.7 steals

The naysayers thought OneWildWalnut was a reach in the first round of the draft when Blazer5 Gaming nabbed him with the the No. 6 overall pick. His presence, however, has been more than felt. Walnut has established himself as a premier paint protector, ranking second in the league in both blocks and rebounds. He’s recorded a double-double in seven of nine games to date, including putting up 19 points and 12 rebounds in last week’s win over Bucks Gaming.

3. oFAB, Celtics Crossover Gaming

Stats: 19.6 points, 16.1 assists, 3.1 steals

oFAB currently stakes claim to the title of best two-way player in the league. The No. 2 overall pick has made his name being a distributor as well as a disruptor. Case in point, he’s the league leader in assists and steals. oFAB ranks second in scoring at his position, but has been recently hampered by poor shooting from distance. He is 2-for-11 on 3-pointers over the past two games — both of which were losses.

4. Dimez, Mavs Gaming

Stats: 21.0 points, 12.7 assists, 2.4 steals

Dimez has lived up to the lofty expectations that come with being the No. 1 overall pick. He leads all point guards in scoring, while ranking second in assists and third in steals. He turned in 22 points and 12 assists in Mavs Gaming’s most recent win over Heat Check Gaming. The only thing holding him back from being higher on the list to this point is turnovers — his 32 are most in the league.

5. Boo Painter, Wizards District Gaming

Stats: 24.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.9 blocks, 1.4 steals

Boo Painter is a guy who brings it every game. He’s second in the league in scoring and third in blocks. Oh, and he dishes out almost four assists a game as a power forward. He nearly carried Wizards District Gaming to an upset of 76ers GC last week with 26 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in yet another close defeat. If he keeps stuffing the stat sheet, the wins will come.

6. Lets Get It Ramo, Pistons GT

Stats: 17.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 blocks, 1.6 steals

Similar to his team, Lets Get It Ramo receives less fanfare than others. But his personality and play are far from quiet. He’s been the key cog behind Pistons GT’s 3-0 start, doing a little bit of everything from his frontcourt spot. Ramo ranks in the top five in the league in blocks and field goal percentage, and is a selfless passer from the post. He piled up 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists in last week’s statement win over Celtics Crossover Gaming.

7. Dayfri, Mavs Gaming

Stats: 21.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.3 steals, 1.0 blocks

Dayfri is the perfect compliment to Dimez. He’s a load in the paint on both ends of the floor and his ability to find open shooters on the outside in keeping defenses honest should not be overlooked. Dayfri ranks among the top five in the league in three categories — points, rebounds and steals. Not much more you can ask for out of Mavs Gaming’s second-round pick.

8. ARSONAL x, Celtics Crossover Gaming

Stats: 22.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.3 blocks

While oFAB garners most of the attention, ARSONAL is dangerously underrated. He’s the league’s top rebounder, is third in scoring and is a constant double-double threat, with six on the season. He’s also responsible for anchoring the defense, a role he excels at. ARSONAL went for 18 points, 10 boards and two steals last game against Pistons GT.

9. Mama Im Dat Man, Blazer5 Gaming

Stats: 17.1 points, 11.9 assists, 1.8 steals

The frontcourt of Blazer5 Gaming is tough on opponents, but it’s best not to sleep on their point guard. Mama Im Dat Man has been a steady presence piloting the league’s top team, ranking fifth overall in assists. He finished with 21 points, including three 3-pointers, and 11 assists in his last outing. A slight knock against him are turnovers, which he’s committed the second most in the league.

10. Yeah I Compete, Jazz Gaming

Stats: 15.0 points, 11.6 assists, 1.0 steals

Yeah I Compete gets the nod over others due to his presence on one of the league’s steadiest teams. The No. 3 overall pick is averaging a double-double for the season and possesses the ability to be one of the league’s top playmakers in any given game. Compete did just that his last outing, dishing out 17 assists in a rout of Grizz Gaming.

— Note: NBA2KLeague’s Race to the MVP, to be released each week during the season, is the opinion of this writer and does not reflect the views of the NBA 2K League or its clubs. —