NBA 2018-19: 5 Preseason Picks for MVP

2018 NBA Awards - Inside
James Harden is the defending MVP

#3 Kawhi Leonard

Houston Rockets v San Antonio Spurs - Game Two
Raptors' success heavily depends on Leonard

Toronto has a new star now in the form of Kawhi Leonard. The 2-time All-Star is a top 3 two-way player in the league today. He is a 2-time Defensive Player of the Year and is known to irritate even the best offensive-minded players in the league with his defense.

After only featuring in 9 games last season because of a right quad injury, the 2014 NBA Finals MVP will be looking to get back to the court once again and show his skills, this time with his new team, Toronto Raptors. In the 2016-17 season when Kawhi was fully active, he averaged career-high 25.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists and finished second in the MVP race.

Toronto Raptors set franchise record last season winning 57 games and clinched the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time in the franchise's history. However, their bad luck in the playoffs continued as they got swept by LeBron James' Cavaliers in Conference Semifinals.

With Kawhi's arrival, the team will play with rejuvenated spirits and are sure to make some noise in the playoffs. There are chances that Kawhi ends up winning MVP and potential DPOY awards and sends out a statement announcing his return to the league in fashion.

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