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The NBA MVP race is always one of the most exciting aspects of the regular season and this year is no exception. We are blessed to be in one of the most successful eras of NBA basketball, bringing us a ton of great talent in each conference.
Whilst veterans like LeBron James and Chris Paul appear to have declined this season, there are more than capable stars to fill their void. With the end of the regular season less than a month away, now is the perfect time to take a look at the contributions of the top players this season.
This article will take a look at the 5 most deserving players of the NBA MVP award, ranking them in order based on their seasons so far.
#5 Kevin Durant
Whilst he still receives undeserved disrespect from NBA media and fans alike, Kevin Durant has had a phenomenal season on the court. He has been the hallmark of consistency in another excellent season for the Golden State Warriors, who look very likely to win the West and NBA title again this season.
His stat line has been remarkably well-rounded, averaging 27.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists each night. The assist numbers, in particular, are the best of his career, highlighting his willingness to move the ball as part of this great squad.
Efficiency wise, he is still having a great season shooting the ball, averaging over 51% from the field and 88% from the Free Throw line. He has also more than done his part defensively, averaging over a block and just under a steal per game.
Not to mention the fact that he is playing a very important role in one of the league’s best sides. Should Golden State win another title this season, you can bet Durant will have had a ton to do with it.
#4 Kawhi Leonard
After missing almost all of last season through injury, no-one was quite sure how Kawhi would perform this season. Having been traded to Toronto over the off-season, the trade definitely looks like a success for the Raptors so far.
Leonard has been excellent on the court this season, pushing the Raptors to 2nd place in the East. He is averaging the most points and rebounds of his career, averaging 27.1 points and 7.4 rebounds respectively.
In addition to being one of the league’s best offensive players, he is also dynamic on the defensive end. Having previously won the Defensive Player of the Year award, he is renowned for his ability to lock up the top opposing wing threat.
Having won an NBA Title and Finals MVP before, Kawhi’s regular season excellence should also translate to the post-season. If he can avoid serious injury, Toronto are definite title threats to be wary of.
#3 Paul George
Whilst he played second fiddle to Russell Westbrook last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have definitely been Paul George’s team this season. PG13 is having by far the best season of his career, putting up an incredibly well-rounded stat line.
He has scored the ball with ease this season, averaging a comfortable career-high of 28.3 points per game. To round out these stats, he is also enjoying career-highs in both rebounds and assists, averaging 8.2 and 4.2 respectively.
In addition to his offensive excellence, he has also emerged as the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year this season. He is averaging an outstanding 2.2 steals per game and leading a Thunder defence that has been elite with him on the floor.
In most seasons, PG13 would be the MVP favorite. However, the phenomenal play of the two men ahead of him means I need to rank him #3.
#2 James Harden
After claiming the MVP award last season, many fans and pundits thought that James Harden may take things easy this season. This was especially true after a heart-breaking loss at home in Game 7 of the West Finals to Golden State.
To his credit, Harden has been even better this season. His offensive production has been insane, averaging 35.8 points and 7.7 assists per contest. Impressively, he also manages to haul in 6.4 rebounds each night.
He was able to single-handedly carry his side in the absences of both Chris Paul and Clint Capela. The Rockets look very likely to claim the #3 seed out West, in large part due to Harden’s heroics.
Harden is also showing an improved effort on defence, averaging 2.2 steals and reliably executing the Rockets scheme. That said, I just can’t put him over the man I currently have ranked #1.
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Many people had Giannis as a dark-horse contender for MVP in the pre-season, but few saw this excellent season coming. He is easily the best player on the Milwaukee Bucks, who currently enjoy the NBA’s best record at 53-18.
Statistically, it’s hard to get more well-rounded than what Giannis has shown this season. He is putting up phenomenal averages of 27.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game.
Not only that, but his incredible efficiency has also been very impressive. He is shooting a very solid 58% from the field, using his elite frame and athleticism to get to the rim with ease.
Known for being a defensive stalwart, Giannis is also averaging 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest, highlighting his versatility on that end. If he can maintain these excellent stats the rest of the way and Milwaukee can hold onto the #1 seed, I believe Giannis is a near lock to take home MVP.
Guess the Lakers players!
