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Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The NBA MVP award is the most coveted personal accolade a player can receive in the league. For the past two years, the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo has won the trophy and will this season be seeking to join a prestigious club of players who have managed a threepeat. This article will have a look at those trying to thwart the Greek's dominance and have thus gained a spot in our NBA Power Rankings for the 2020-21 NBA MVP favorites.
NBA Power Rankings 2020-21: Who will shine as the league's best player in a turbulent season ahead?
The Milwaukee Bucks have strengthened this offseason and will thus give Giannis Antetokounmpo additional opportunities to improve even further. Out to stop the power forward, other contenders for the title include Kevin Durant who will finally be able to play in the East after returning from injury this season. This article will have a look at the NBA Power Rankings for those tipped as MVP candidates.
#1 Luka Doncic
What will be only his third year in the league, Luka Doncic is already being widely regarded as one of, if not the favorite, to win the NBA MVP award, coming in top of our NBA Power Rankings. For a 21-year-old, his numbers have been staggering, and it's fair to say he has helped to rejuvenate the Mavericks franchise. Doncic averaged almost a triple-double last season with 28.8 points, 8.8 assists and 9.4 rebounds as one of the NBA's most well-rounded players.
Doncic's experience playing in Europe undoubtedly helped him fit in among the elite of the NBA. While winning rookie of the year in the 2018-19 season, he hit several unbelievable circus shots and clutch 3-pointers which firmly put him on everybody's radars and is one of the reason's he is so highly rated in the NBA Power Rankings.
Looking ahead to the 2020-21 season, the Dallas Mavericks will be hoping they can keep Luka fit for the duration of the campaign. He and Porzingis were the primary reasons the Mavericks did so well last season, and with the shooting guard on the floor they can hope to finish among the top 5 in the West.
#2 Anthony Davis
At No.2 in our NBA Power Rankings for MVP is Anthony Davis. The power forward has developed into one of the most un-guardable players in the game not only due to his size but his all-round ability. Davis led the LA Lakers in scoring, rebounds, steals and blocks last year and will be expected to lead the franchise as LeBron becomes more of a facilitator and manages his minutes.
Davis was among the NBA Power Rankings last season for the award but was an outside bet. However, after his domination in the playoffs, he has become a firm favorite for the NBA Power Rankings in the year ahead.
Having declared his future to the LA Lakers, and with the franchise strengthening this offseason, they are regarded as the standout option for this year's title. All the more reason to believe AD can win MVP playing for the best team in the league.
#3 Stephen Curry
He missed almost all of last season and Stephen Curry's injury was a massive blow for the Golden State Warriors. The point guard comes into this year fully fit. What's more, he has a franchise on his back who are again without fellow 'Splash bro' Klay Thompson.
Curry may have to be at his all-time best this year if the young Warriors roster have any chance of making the playoffs, let alone getting home court advantage. Curry is no stranger to the MVP award and this is why his name comes into our NBA Power Rankings.
The 32-year-old is one of the most gifted shooters the league has ever seen. Curry has won the MVP award twice due to his serial scoring ability and was the unanimous winner of the trophy in 2016. That year, he led the league in both points (30), and steals (2.1 per game). If he can replicate this form going into the 2020-21 season, there is no reason the guard can't win again.
#4 Kevin Durant
Former teammate of Curry's and ready to face his old team on NBA opening night, Kevin Durant comes into our NBA Power Rankings at fourth position in the MVP race. The small forward spent last season on the sidelines with his new franchise, the Brooklyn Nets. Having had an 18-month hiatus from the game, Durant is ready to return in what is a roster tipped to succeed at the top of the East.
Durant won the MVP award in 2014 having averaged 32 points that season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Golden State Warriors, the 32-year-old won 2 NBA Finals MVP trophies and is no stranger to coming up clutch when his team needs him most.
Durant's all-round ability is what sets him apart from those who attempt to mark him. At 6"10', Durant has the handles of a point guard, deadly shooting ability and ability to consistently grab rebounds, making him a strong favorite for the MVP award this season.
#5 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Taking up the final position in our NBA Power Rankings for MVP is the man who has dominated the league and the award for the last two years. Among the majority of Free Agency rumors this offseason, Giannis Antetokounmpo finally renewed his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks last week.
The franchise had made its best efforts this offseason to please the Greek which was ultimately enough for him to make the decision. Giannis averaged 29.5 points last season and was a bully in the post, grabbing 13.6 boards. His length and athleticism makes him deadly on the fast break, and with a stronger roster around him could see him take home the MVP award for the third time in a row.
Guess the Lakers players!
