This year has been quite a season. Filled with trade rumors and game winners. But the stars, have been putting on a show. We are seeing a heated MVP race with multiple players coming for the trophy. Today I will be ranking my Top 10 MVP candidates.
Honorable Mentions: Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Kemba Walker, Bam Adebayo, Rudy Gobert, Bradley Beal and Trae Young.
10. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum came from a disappointing season last year where he was supposed to break through and lead the Celtics alongside Kyrie to the NBA Finals due to the departure of LeBron in the east. Jayson Tatum came into this season with the revamped Celtics on a mission. Jayson Tatum averaged 22.4PPG, 6.9 Rebounds and 2.9 Assists. Tatum was selected as a first time All-Star. After the All-Star game is when he really started heating up. Post All Star Jayson Tatum is averaging 34 PPG(second in the league) and is performing in the absence of Kemba Walker. He is playing incredible defense and offence and is leading the Celtics to be the biggest challenge for the all-mighty Milwaukee Bucks. And of March 3 it's his 22nd birthday so we will be seeing a lot of MVP seasons for this guy.
9. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler came from a devastating loss to the eventual Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semis last year. Jimmy wanted out of Philly and took his talents to South Beach. Jimmy and the supporting cast have surprised the league as the Miami Heat are currently the 4th seed in the East at 38-22. Jimmy has brought his always hard working self to lead the young players to play and beat pretty good teams. Jimmy is having his best season since Chicago averaging 20.5 PPG and 6.2 AST. Jimmy's placement may vary if the they fall to the 5th or 6th seed as the Sixers and Pacers are only a game or two behind them.
8.Russell Westbrook
If the MVP race counted only after the All-Star game, Russ would be MVP. That's not the case though. Westbrook was having a good season, but the reason the Rockets were winning was because of his teammate who I'll talk about later. After the Clint Capela trade Russell Westbrook has prospered. The small ball system has benefited Russ as he is averaging 32 PPG, 6.8AST and 7 Rebounds. He just came off a ridiculous game in Boston where he had 41 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. If the Rockets can keep improving as they have been since the trade he can raise in this race.
7.Luka Doncic
This is going to be controversial. Luka Doncic is having an amazing season. At only 20 he is averaging 28.6 PPG, 9.4 Rebounds and 8.8AST. He is borderline averaging a 30 point triple double. Luka is playing amazing basketball and is leading the Mavs to the 7th seed in the West. I'd love to rank him higher, but you have to account the defensive woes and he has missed a couple of games where they have done equally well with Porzingis playing out of his mind. Luka in my opinion has the best chance alongside Zion Williamson and Trae Young to be future league MVP's.
6.Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has been playing at an MVP level the whole season, but his problem is that he's missed a decent amount of games due to injury. Either than that he has been phenomenal and it's great to see him actually playing meaningful basketball for the first time in his career. AD is averaging 26.4 points and 9.4 Rebounds. He has had a 50 point game this season and the first 40-20 Laker game since Shaq. Anthony Davis is on a quest to be considered part of the Lakers All time legacy.
5.Nikola Jokic
The Joker is continuing off his All NBA First Team season last year. Jokic came into this season with a polished Nuggets team who were ready to continue from what they started last year. Jokic was out of shape and didn't look like his usual self and that reflected in the teams performance. The 2019 calendar year ended and then Jokic activated take over. The Nuggets are sitting at the 2 seed and Jokic has been putting up monster numbers. Jokic just put up monster numbers of 23 points 18 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the Nuggets to beat the Raptors. Jokic is at the moment playing like the best center in the league and is a sure lock to secure the All-NBA-First Team selection due to Anthony Davis identifying as a Power Foward.
4.Kawhi Leonard.
Now this is where the true candidates begin. Kawhi came to the Clippers to continue his plan of bringing a championship everywhere he goes. The Clippers are sitting at the 3 seed in the west and are being lead by Kawhi while Paul George is still getting in his groove. Kawhi is averaging 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.8 steals. Kawhi is also in the lead in DPOY with other players. Kawhi would be higher on the list if he did partake in the action of Load Management *wink *wink. Kawhi and the Clippers are not worried about the regular season and he's all for the 3rd championship
3.James Harden
Welcome back to the MVP race James!! Shame that it will end the same way it always does. James Harden is putting up video game numbers of 35.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.7 steals. James Harden was on an absolute rampage earlier this season flirting with 40 points a game at one point. James Harden has cooled off since then and has let Russell Westbrook take control and that's been leading to more wins. If the Rockets get to the 2nd seed his placement wont really change because these next two guys have locked in their placements for 1 and 2.
2.LeBron James
The king is back and is ready to get his crown back. LeBron hasn't had a MVP since his Miami days. LeBron has revitalized his career after last year and everyone thought he was washed. LeBron is posting up numbers of 25.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 10.6 assists, 1.2 steals.
He is currently having his highest assist season ever and is most likely going to be the assists leader and is tied for most triple doubles with Luka Doncic. The Lakers currently have the best record in the west and LeBron is the main reason for that. But, I think we all know who is going to win MVP. Sorry LeBron.
1.Giannis Antetokounmpo
Coming from his MVP season last year, Giannis has been the frontrunner to win the entire season so far. Giannis is putting ridiculous numbers of 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks. Oh and he's doing this in only 30.8 minutes per game and is having the best PER season in NBA history. There's more. The Bucks are sitting at 52-8 and are on pace to have 70 wins. The Bucks also have the #1 PPG, Rebounds and have one of the highest point differential seasons ever. This all stems from Giannis who is most likely going to be the player of the decade unless someone else steps up.
Let me know what you guys think of my ranking and do you think I have someone too high or too low and let us know what you want us too post and we will post it.
Matthew Theodros