The NBA regular season comes to an end next month which gives players in the MVP race a little more time to plead their case. I assume that the votes for MVP will be a little close because there are a few players that possess a lot of value to their team. Here are my rankings:
5. LeBron James
27.0 pts, 8.7 reb, 8.0 ast, 1.4 stl, 51% FG, 35% 3PT
LeBron James seems to always be in the MVP race because of his ability to lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists. Even in his 16th season, LeBron is seventh in points per game and third in assists per game. The Lakers are struggling right now sitting at the 10th seed with a record of 30-34. Because of the Laker’s record is why James ranks fifth. Let’s see if the LeBron can lead the Lakers to a late playoff push and reach the eighth seed.
4. Nikola Jokic
20.6 pts, 10.7 reb, 7.6 ast, 50.5%, FG, 32.3% 3PT
The much improved Denver Nuggets have taken a leap into this year’s standings. After just missing the playoffs at the ninth seed last season, the Nuggets have climbed to the 2nd seed with a record of 42-21. Nikola Jokic is an all-around player improving his averages in points and assists since coming into the league. With Jokic’s playmaking ability as a big man opens the floor for his teammates. Denver is on pace to have its best record since the 2012-2013 season. The Nuggets should be an exciting team to watch in the playoffs with all the young talent they have. Jokic definitely is in the conversation for MVP for touching almost every category in the stat sheet.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
27.0 pts, 12.6 reb, 6.0 ast, 1.4 stl, 1.5 blk, 57.9% FG
Giannis Antetokounmpo is having his best season yet and the Milwaukee Bucks have the best record in the league of 48-16. The Greek Freak came into the league as a raw prospect and has risen his stats in points, rebounds, and field-goal percentage each season. The Bucks have shooters now and Mike Budenholzer has boosted their offense. Antetokounmpo is a beast in the paint and his length makes him almost unstoppable to defend. Giannis is motivated to have a better playoff run than last season after getting bounced in the first round by the Boston Celtics. The Greek Freek leads the Bucks in points, field-goal percentage, assists, and rebounds by a landslide (second in rebounds is Middleton with 6.0).
2. James Harden
36.7 pts, 6.6 reb, 7.6 ast, 2.2 stl, 44% FG, 36.4% 3PT
Although the most pampered by the calls he gets from the refs, James Harden’s scoring is undeniable. Harden posted at least 30 points for 32 straight games which is the second longest streak in NBA history. The Beard is the hardest to play defense on because of his ability to get to the free-throw line. The Rockets had a rough start to the season but are now 38-25 with James Harden gnawing their way up to the fifth seed. Harden’s averages rank him first in points, second in steals and eighth in assists. Chris Paul has missed 23 games and Clint Capela has been out for 15 games. Harden ranks second for MVP for stepping up while the second and third-best players on the team have been out.
1. Paul George
28.6 pts, 8.1 reb, 4.3 ast, 2.3 stl, 44.8% FG, 39.8% 3PT
Paul George is the best two-way player in the league right now ranking second in scoring and leading the league in steals. George is averaging his career-bests in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Despite Russell Westbrook’s shooting woes, Paul George has been able to lead the charge by closing games hitting clutch shots. The Thunder are third in the western conference with a record of 39-24. This is a statement year for George and he knows he has to prove a lot in the postseason. PG13 has had an impact for OKC on both sides of the ball which is why he’s my pick for MVP.
Photo credit: (nba.com, masslive.com, Flipboard, si.com, Washington post, OKC Thunder Wire – USA Today)