The ONLY five players that can win NBA MVP — and how each can do it
The NBA MVP award is a confusing beast. It doesn’t always go to the best player in the league, and we’re not sure how important team success is. It seems the most important factor is narrative. So which players have a shot at the award in 2018–19? The list is shorter than you might think.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
You could argue Giannis is the MVP if the season ends today. He’s averaging 26, 14, and 6 so far, and Milwaukee is tied for first in the East at 8–1. The team success is probably the best chance the Greek Freak has to get the award, especially if they get a one seed, when the credit should really go to Mike Budenholzer, who has increased Milwaukee’s three-point attempts and created a spacing that we haven’t seen around Giannis in his entire career. What he’ll need: A 1–3 seed, and improved 3pt shooting
2. Stephen Curry
Wow. Steph has been unbelievable this season. He seems to be on a mission to remind America that he can be the second best player in the NBA whenever he wants to. 32.5 points per game, shooting 51% from three. There’s a path where Curry finishes the season with 50–50–90 splits, something only Steve Kerr has done. (He did it on far less attempts, especially from three). If the Warriors win 60 again and Steph has 30 PPG with great percentages, he’ll be in the conversation for sure.
What he’ll need: 28+ PPG, 60 wins, and 50–45–90
3. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi has been incredible in his first seven games in Toronto. 26.1 points per game, plus some incredible defense. The whole Raptors team is looking better, smaller, and more spaced out. Starting Pascal Siakam ahead of Jonas Valanciunas was the first step. Plus, Kawhi may not even be at 100% yet. He’s just returning from that injury. If Toronto gets a high seed and Leonard keeps it up, he should be in the MVP conversation.
What he’ll need: 25 PPG, 1–2 seed, DPOY contention
4. LeBron James
LeBron always has a chance to win MVP, just because he is the best player in the league. Especially with a bad supporting cast, if Bron puts in effort all season on both sides of the ball, it’s his award to win. Typically there’s some voter fatigue with LeBron, but he hasn’t won it since he was in Miami, in 2012–13. Now it seems like the voters are itching to give him another MVP.
What he’ll need: Consistent effort, top 6 seed in the West
5. Anthony Davis
Davis’s argument tends to center around his supporting cast… or lack thereof. AD has showed us some great highlight plays, and he’s really been the only reliable offensive option that New Orleans has. After a 4–0 start, the Pels have dropped five straight. The supporting cast is pretty bad, and that’s AD’s biggest strength and his biggest weakness. If they miss the playoffs, he won’t get MVP, but if they get a good seed, the narrative will be Davis carrying the team. They’d definitely need a solid record if Davis wants MVP consideration, and he’ll also need to up his scoring from 23.8/game.
What he’ll need: Top 6 seed, and averages of at least 27 and 10.
Some Dark Horse Candidates
Joel Embiid: 29.6 PPG, 12.4 RPG
What he’ll need: Top 3 seed, 70 games played, 27 and 10
Damian Lillard: 29.2 PPG
What he’ll need: Top 6 seed, 30 PPG
Victor Oladipo: 23 PPG, 7 RPG
What he’ll need: Top 3 seed, 25 PPG, more game-winners
Blake Griffin: 28.6 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 4.5 APG
What he’ll need: 27, 10, 4, with a top 6 seed
