At the beginning of the season, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award was supposed to be down to just two players: LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Between those two, they had taken home the awward in five of the last six seasons. And while those aforementioned superstars were heavily favored on all of the props betting odds for in the preseason, neither is going to actually end up taking home the award (barring a miracle). As we pass the midway point of January and approach the halfway point of the season, it’s fascinating to project the race for the NBA’s MVP award. It’s wide open and all signs point to there being a new face taking home the trophy.
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State
This is the leader, given that the Warriors have the best record in the NBA. Curry is averaging 23.3 points per game, placing him in the top seven in the league, but he’s also fifth in assists with eight per game, and first in steals with 2.1 per game. Curry is doing a little bit of everything for Golden State and has the numbers to show for it. He’s on the team that has done more in the NBA than any other to this point and usually, a dominant superstar on the league’s best team takes it.
Curry is giving Golden State leadership and a calm presence on the floor, and that maturation has elevated him to MVP-level. He’s always had the three-point shooting that spreads the floor for his team and the excellent ball-handling, but this year, he’s reached new heights. If he keeps it up, the award is his.
2. James Harden, Houston
It is not surprising to see Harden be the leading scorer in the league as he has always been a very explosive, versatile scorer. He’s a very capable shooter from any distance in the halfcourt, he’s agile and blessed with a big first step. He’s even more fascinating if you follow advanced analytics as his assist numbers for a player of his caliber are fantastic – especially assists on three-pointers. Overall, he’s 11th in assists. And when he’s intent on scoring, he goes hard and gets to the foul line. Only Russell Westbrook attempts more free throws than his 8.8 per game.
All these traits have enabled Harden to average 27.0 points per game – over a full point better than LeBron James, who is at 25.8. However, Harden is an MVP candidate because he has improved his defense. He’s seventh in the league in steals, which is amazing, given how little he seemed to produce on defense in previous seasons. YouTube videos were made of his defensive lapses but he’s a different man now.
3. John Wall, Washington
The reason Wall isn’t higher is that he’s not yet a takeover-level game scorer. He averages 17.4 points per game, which is solid for a distributing point guard, but not amazing. Wall makes an MVP case with his assists and his defense. Wall hands out 10.2 assists per game, tops in the league and one of only two players to reach the 10-assist mark (the other is Ty Lawson). Wall is also third in the league in steals, with 2.05 per game. He does so much for the Washington Wizards at both ends of the floor and if the Wizards finish first or second in the East, he will improve his odds.
4. Anthony Davis, New Orleans
Davis will probably need to lead New Orleans to the playoffs to have a real chance at the award, which is the first thing that has to be said. However, if the Pelicans do get the number eight seed in the West, Davis will be the man responsible. He averages 24.2 points per game, which is tied for third in the league. He is tenth in rebounds with 10.4 per game, and he leads the league in blocked shots with 2.89 per game. Those stats will get the attention of voters.
