3 Dark Horse MVP Candidates for NBA 2018-19

Kemba Walker

The title of being MVP is an extremely coveted position. It is the goal for each and every player who steps into the NBA and also any basketball player ever to play basketball in general.

This season, there has been much speculation as to who will be the MVP and we all have some obvious favorites such as LeBron James for the Lakers, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry for the Golden State Warriors or James Harden for the Houston Rockets. But as time passes on there is a new generation of players that are emerging. This new generation may not have MVPs of their own yet, but many of them have shown potential to break records that have stayed up for years on year.

Most of all there are so many players that will be big names in the draft next year that are under 20 and will come straight from college. It is a generation that is not to be underestimated. These players will be the heart and soul of the conversation of the NBA for decades to come. Here are three that could come in from the back and make their way to the coveted position of MVP.

#3 Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker has chosen this season to be resurrected into the person and player he was when he left UConn. The first few seasons after he was drafted he was a solid point guard, but he really didn't step up to the mark. Fans, now satisfied with his performance recognize him and his efforts towards the team widely.

This season Walker is in his college zone averaging 26 points per game and his shooting percentages are at the highest that they have ever been at. Further, he has come close to breaking many things to break the rule.

Now as a point guard he has some heavy competition from the likes of Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, and Russell Westbrook. The popular vote will always land in the favor of these big names, but this is the season for Walker to make a name right with his game as his only weapon and he is buzzing along on that road.

#2 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid has been a process himself, and he has taken Philly along on the same ride. His growth has been a process, first, he was drafted and immediately missed multiple seasons due to an injury. Later, the former Jayhawk was finally brought into the team but was constantly sitting on the sideline and did not gain many minutes. Finally, after all these missed opportunities, he has made his way to become one of the leagues best players.

To be honest Joel Embiid is one of the very few reasons the Philadelphia 76ers are even contenders within the Eastern Conference. So far Embiid has set himself apart this season. He ranks sixth in the league and had roughly 26.5 points per game. He has proven himself the be a player who can change the course of the entire game just by stepping onto the court.

This season the MVP award has become a guard award. His 13.3 rebounds per game have been moving him in the same direction. He may become the first center to capture the award to claim the MVP award since Shaq in 2000. The odds may never be in his favor, but he is on the right track to make it happen.

#1 Kawhi Leonard

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Kawhi Leonard missed most of the 2017-2018 season due to the injuries he was going through. Though there was speculation that his injury period would carry on to this season as well, luckily he has been healthy enough to play. However, his nasty exit from the San Antonio Spurs did nothing good for his image.

While his deal with the Raptors was being finalized, Kawhi was still viewed as some sort of a wild card for audiences. He had proven himself before, but not nearly as much as he could have. This year he has brought that status back. He is at an all-time high with 26.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Further, with Toronto sitting high up on the western conference table, there is no questioning this man's skill set or impact.

At the end of the day, there always remains the question if the good streak will continue with Leonard of if he will become a headache. Probably the least 'dark horse' of the three, his unpredictability still keeps him from being a main-stream MVP candidate.

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Edited by Amulya Shekhar