NBA MVP Race 2019-20: February Power Rankings

As we inch closer to the All-Star Weekend and into the second half of the regular season, the NBA standings have plateaued for good. With the best squads in each conference having separated themselves from the others, the race to conquer the postseason will pretty much be a battle between a bunch of known lineups. However, with the current status quo, it looks like the eighth spot will be up for grabs till the final bell rings.

Much of the 2019-20 regular season has seen a meteoric rise in individual talents backed by impeccable collective performances. And after the All-Star starters and reserves were announced last week, it outlined the select few who had made an indelible mark this year so far.

Falling in line would be the regular season MVP hardware, scheduled to be tossed between the best of the best. In this piece, we will take a look at the five players who have solidified their MVP case through immaculate leadership and exquisite on-court numbers so far this season.

#5 Jimmy Butler

Butler recently bagged his 5th All-Star appearance

Miami Heat's resurgent campaign has been led by Jimmy Butler and all he stands for. After an unexpected signing in the offseason, Pat Riley and Butler have now forged a unique partnership which has resulted in the Heat franchise rising back to that long-lost glory yet again.

The 30-year-old forward is averaging 20.8 points, 6.8 rebounds (career-high), 6.3 assists (career-high) and 1.8 steals, through the 44 games played this year so far. Shooting over 45% from the field, Butler has been a pivotal element in uplifting Miami's young core. Standing at 6'7, Butler has grabbed the most offensive rebounds this year than he ever had in his career, showing why he possesses the killer mentality to lead a pack of wolves.

The Heat will arguably be the most formidable squad to face in the postseason, and Butler's hardnosed style of play has a lot to do with that notion.

#4 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi has been successful in preserving his body so far

Having missed 13 games due to load management, Kawhi Leonard has been playing at a high level whenever available. The 28-year-old reigning Finals MVP is scoring at a career-high rate of 27.1 points per game while making almost 90% of his free-throws.

Playing over 32 minutes per contest, the Klaw is also posting impressive numbers in 7.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game for his team. The Clippers are a solid third seed (37-16) in the West, and much of the credit goes to Leonard's contributions on both ends of the floor.

#3 Luka Doncic

Doncic is a high-value All-Star starter in just his second year

Luka Doncic's rise from being to the 'Rookie of the Year' to an MVP candidate this year has been quick and expected. The level of talent he carried out of Europe showcased immense potential for the coming years, but the way his greatness has unfolded is simply awe-inspiring.

The 20-year-old Slovenian phenom is leading the Dallas Mavericks franchise into a new and promising era single-handedly. His near-triple-double averages of 28.8 points, 9.5 points and 8.7 assists per game has been a testament of his sky-high ceiling and a Hall of Fame career that awaits.

The Dallas Mavericks are en route an easy playoff berth, and hopeful of making a deep run, given their depth and exciting talent.

#2 LeBron James

LeBron was chosen West's All-Star captain for the 2nd straight year

Playing in his 17th NBA season, LeBron James' presence on the court has been instrumental for NBA's success on the bigger scale. The kid from Akron needs to stay relevant for the greater good of the league, and that's just what he has done this season.

The Lakers are leading the West (39-12) and James is posting inhuman numbers in all columns of the stat-sheet. He is leading the league in assists per game (10.8), dropping 25 points on average, grabbing 7.7 rebounds and shooting almost 50% from the field, while playing the point in LA.

The 35-year-old superhuman specimen is 3rd on NBA's all-time scoring list and has conditioned his body to play at a high level for at least two more years.

#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis would be a worthy successor after King James' exit

Giannis Antetokounmpo's insane work ethic over the years has been praised by all that are closely attached to the game. He has been a force of nature who seems to have positioned his body and mind to be the best in the league for the next decade.

Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks (45-7) are cruising through the regular season and making all other teams seem like an afterthought. While the Greek Freak posts solid double averages in 30 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, the Bucks are 5.5 games clear of the second-best team in the NBA (LA Lakers) at this point.

He has been shooting almost 55% from the field and backing it up with an improved outside shot as well. He is also averaging 5.8 assists (career-best) along 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks this year so far. There is simply nothing this 25-year-old reigning MVP can't do.