With the NBA season well underway and the season slowly being framed, it is time to see who is leading their team by example and proving to be a threat on a nightly basis.
Here are five players who are heavily in contention to take home the NBA’s highest individual award for the regular season.
1. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
Despite being in his 18th season at the highest level, it is no surprise to see James right at the top of this list. The 36-year-old is averaging 23.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game with a career-high 37.5 per cent from three-point range. While there are more impressive stats on this list and around the league, ‘The King’ has one factor in his favour that decides his spot. The key part to the most valuable award is those first two words: most valuable. James’ value to the Lakers cannot be understated, as he has led them to an 11-4 record, good enough to be the best in the NBA. Not unlike his first 17 seasons of dominance, James continues to lead his team towards the playoffs while showing his influence on his team and his greatness within the league.
(Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
2. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
With Philadelphia finding their way to the top part of the Eastern Conference standings, it’s only fair to mention the way Joel Embiid has been playing in this team. The versatile and crafty big man is averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, guiding his team to a record of 9-5, third in the Eastern Conference. Big men rarely have the opportunity to take out this award, but with Embiid dominating on the offensive end and finally finding balance on the defensive end, don’t be surprised to see him holding the trophy at the end of the season.
3. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
I might have just mentioned how rare it is to see a centre win the award, but it’s hard to dismiss what Jokic is doing this season. Over the past few seasons, the Serbian big man has completely changed what is expected at his position. He has created a new breed at the five of bigs who can dribble, run the point guard and even consistently knock down a three-pointer. In doing this, he has turned his Denver Nuggets into a threat in the Western Conference. Despite a slow start to the season having Denver sitting at 6-7, Jokic’s individual numbers are hard to ignore. Averaging 25.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 10.3 assists, it’s necessary to put aside Jokic’s underwhelming team record and simply be impressed with his exceptional individual effort.
4. Paul George (Los Angeles Clippers)
Well, who saw this coming? After an infamously poor playoff performance last season, ‘Playoff P’ (or ‘Pandemic P’ as some like to call him) has bounced back in a big way. While he is notorious for performing well in the regular season and disappearing in the postseason, it must be mentioned that this is a regular season award, and it’s quite the season he is having. George is averaging 24.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, while leading his Clippers to the second seed in the Western Conference. He is also statistically one of the best shooters in the NBA this season, averaging 50-50-90 splits. A much-maligned player throughout his career, the small forward is having one of his best starts to any year of his career. A player expected to play second fiddle to teammate Kawhi Leonard, George is outperforming his partner in crime and looks set for a big year.
5. Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)
How good is it to see Kevin Durant back on the court? After having a year off after a heartbreaking Achilles tear, Durant looks as healthy as ever in his new city of Brooklyn and is back to his old scoring ways. Considered one of the greatest scorers ever, Durant is again proving to be a headache for defenders and is putting up some of the best numbers of his decorated career. Averaging 30.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, Durant is certainly pulling his weight on an under-performing Brooklyn team. With the Nets recently trading for former MVP James Harden, their record is set to increase, which only boosts Durant’s place on this list.
Other contenders are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry.
Christo
Roar Guru
Hey Liam, great job on your article. In my opinion Lebron James should not be at number 1 as he is 17th in points average this season and 26th in assist average. I would rather someone like Giannis or Jokic at 1 and would not have Lebron James on this list.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
No worries man, absolutely loving KD's play at the moment. Kinda hope Embiid or Jokic keep it up though and win the MVP award
Liam Badkin
Roar Rookie
Yeah I can’t fault your order there mate. Was extremely hard to leave Luka out, and it’s only a matter of time before he finds himself holding one of these trophies. Harden has had an unreal start to his time at the nets, looks more free in his play and is loving the point guard role. Will be interesting to see what happens when Kyrie comes back. Thanks for reading!
Liam Badkin
Roar Rookie
Thanks mate! I agree, what the big men are doing is fantastic to see. So influential. I think no matter what’s happened in the past, we all love seeing KD and his pull up jump shots that are nearly impossible to guard. Thanks for reading!
Rob
Guest
At this stage I'd have to say it's the two Europeans Doncic and Jokic leading the way with KD and Lebron not too far behind. If Harden keeps up the form his shown in his first two games at the Nets he might not be too far behind either.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
I'm really pleased with this top 5 at the moment, and it is brilliant to see two big men in the top 3 on the list. Both Embiid and Jokic have been balling, and I'd say arguably should be higher than Bron. However, you cannot fault what he and the Lakers have been doing this season. Also, as much as his move still stings me since I'm an OKC fan, it is great to see KD come back from that terrible injury to playing almost better than ever. Great article!