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An exciting season lies ahead and I have made my bold predictions for the seasons MVP candidates, who are capable of making their compelling cases for the coveted award.
We witnessed Russell Westbrook put up historic numbers in a feat that allowed him to join Oscar Robertson as the only players in league history to finish a season with a triple-double average. It came down to the wire in a battle between him and James Harden of the Houston Rockets for the MVP honors.
Without further ado, let’s first look at last season’s MVP ladder:
1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder.
2. James Harden, Houston Rockets.
3. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers.
4. Kawhii Leonard, San Antonio Spurs.
5. Isiah Thomas, Boston Celtics.
6. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors.
7. John Wall, Washington Wizards.
8. Demar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors.
9. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers.
10. Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz.
Honourable mentions (in no particular order): Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers; Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans; Demar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors; Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies.
With the above list and roster changes in mind, here are my predictions for this season’s MVP ladder:
#10 Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
Kyrie Irving must justify his trade. The narrative that he’s an elite player capable of leading a franchise will be constantly tested. Gone are the days of success off the ball. In Boston, he’ll be asked to adjust his usual play in a fast-paced offense with the ball constantly moving. With the high basketball IQ, he’s more than capable of making the necessary adjustments.
The need to show that he's more than just a terrific supporting player and that he’s the franchise centerpiece the Celtics need will fuel his desire to challenge for top honors.
Strange as it is and for better or for worse, I expect Kyrie to have an abnormal season and be a dark horse in this. Without LeBron James, all eyes will be on him. He’ll have to push himself to good results and have a great year to silence the doubters.
#9 Karl Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
Tom Thibodeau is a great coach and with good reason. He made a splash for Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague in the offseason to add leadership and toughness to the young squad. Karl-Anthony Towns, an emerging star in the middle, however, might still be the team’s best player.
If the rest of Towns' talent and progression is anything to go by I wouldn't put it past him. The Timberwolves’ star should have a breakout season that puts him above the rest earning him a place on this list as well as making the All-Star game for the first time. A 50+ wins season will guarantee a playoff spot in the highly competitive Western Conference.
It'll be hard to overlook his performance as he's been the go-to-guy since his rookie season. His unrelenting desire to win will fuel him to stellar performances and put him in this conversation.
#8 Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder.
Last year’s performance alone earns him a spot on this list. He wildly exceeded expectations after losing Kevin Durant. The level of consistency he displayed was otherworldly. He showed the world that he can do it all by himself. Add two elite players in Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, Russell will have to often concede to his new teammates to keep them happy.
After a historic season, The reigning MVP will be more focused on winning more games than last season. This inevitably transcends to gunning for top honors. Westbrook says he feels confident heading into the new season. The fire and desire he possesses leave little for his doubters. His recent track record stands out with the best of them.
#7 Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder
A solid all-around All-Star starts anew with the best teammates he’s ever had. He must adapt, adjust his game and mindset, and hit the ground running for the Thunder. After suffering the horrific injury while on Team USA’s training camp in 2014, his progress stalled. He had made back to back appearances in the Eastern Conference finals before that, battling LeBron James and the high-flying Miami Heat.
He is fueled by the talk that he lost a step while in rehab. George continues to make bold statements about going for the top prize. This could be the year that it comes to fruition.
Paul George is going to transform into a super-dynamic wing with Russell Westbrook’s play-making inside of a system that suits him. Billy Donovan’s system is a space and pace which fits perfectly for Paul George. If the team gels fast enough, there is no denying that he'll be in the MVP conversation.
#6 Giannis Antentokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The Greek Freak is growing by leaps and bounds every season. For four years straight Antetokounmpo has increased his per-game averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Last year he led the Bucks in each of those five categories, an elite accomplishment. He was nearly unguardable, and defensively he was making plays that fans could only dream of. If the Bucks win more games, there’s no stopping him from being a legitimate threat to win the award.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the brink of becoming one of the league’s two or three best players. That thought boggles the mind, that the unheralded No. 15 pick from 2013 could play in small market Milwaukee and be that good. The only thing consistently lacking is sufficient range on a go-to jump shot. Given a healthy roster, the bucks will rally behind him and make a lot of noise in the Eastern Conference.
#5 Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
The former league MVP, scoring champion, and 2017 Finals MVP wants to be in the conversation for the greatest of all time. What would do him better than another spectacular season and another MVP trophy?
I know most people will argue that the number of superstars on his team would take some votes away from him, but there’s really nothing wrong being the best among superstars. He played at another level last season on both ends of the floor, cementing his status as one of the league’s more dynamic superstars.
With a revamped Western Conference, the Warriors will face more resistance come playoffs. Expectations are so high that anything less than a third championship in four years would be a surprise to many and if they fail to win the West it would be a massive failure. The players should be in peak form and with Durant at the forefront, the sky is the limit.
#4 John Wall, Washington Wizards
John Wall leads an unpredictable team in the East, that’ll always cause heartaches with too many expectations on them. He’s shown himself to be an elite, two-way player capable of not only lifting a team with his play but also with his leadership and relentless approach. It’s time for him to walk the talk. He recently made a statement of himself as the best point guard in the East. It’s his time to take over.
Motivated by the biggest splash of signing a four-year, $170 million contract extension, Wall has made a commitment to lifting the franchise back into the thick of the race for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. With the backing of the front office, Wall should elevate his all-round game and earn his money. Being a part of arguably the best backcourt in the league with Bradley Beal results to go with the confidence they possess will help cement his case.
#3 LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
The best player in the world will always have his spot on this list (all prejudice aside). After seven consecutive NBA Finals appearances, (something that hasn't been done by a player since the 1960s Boston Celtics), LeBron set the record for most triple-doubles (9) in the Finals, surpassing Magic Johnson (8). He went past Michael Jordan’s record for most free throws made in the playoffs (1,463) and most points all-time in the playoffs with 6,163. LeBron is now third in all-time Finals scoring. Another unusual record: most triple-doubles when facing elimination (3). Although he’s now focused on winning championships, his resume speaks for him.
GMs in the league picked him as a favorite to end his four-year drought and pick a fifth regular season MVP award. They are just predictions, but they may go a long way. The GM's considered him the best player in the league in categories of highest basketball IQ, best passer, and most versatile player. A player with such attributes leaves no room for doubt in such a conversation.
#2 Kahwi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Arguably the best two-way player in the league, that’s MVP-level status already. with a contending franchise on his shoulders and a no-nonsense coach on the sidelines, the only way is up for Kawhi Leonard. He is capable of winning the regular season’s MVP and defensive player of the year simultaneously.
The Klaw makes his case in strings of strong performances against the best players in the league as opposed to sheer talk. His postseason experience and tenacity smooth out the challenges his team will face in the west.
Kahwi stepped up to challenge the Warriors in last season’s Western Conference finals before he got injured and was ruled out for the rest of the series. Leonard had already scored 26 points with eight rebounds in just 24 minutes of action before leaving in agony midway through the third quarter. This goes on to show how he is unfazed by strong opposition. He will quietly dominate the game as usual given their aging roster.
#1 James Harden, Houston Rockets
Harden had a remarkable MVP worthy season last year guiding the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference Semis where they lost to the Spurs. The offensive superstar did this on his own with a questionable roster and managed to make it work with 50+ plus wins by the end of the regular season.
James Harden has a case to convince the MVP voters why he deserves the award, he’s come so close twice. This adds fire to his desire for getting rewarded for his performances. He also has a chance to forge the best backcourt partnership with a newly acquired point guard, Chris Paul.
With Chris Paul taking the pressure off him, Harden has to show he can excel working with Paul if the Rockets are to truly contend. I expect him to pick up from where he left off and perform at the highest level. This is the year that he claims the award without much debate given the intangibles that he brings to the game.
Guess the Lakers players!
