NBA MVP Race Halfway Predictions
We have hit the halfway mark of the NBA season, which means we are one day closer to it being crunch time for all teams and their star players. Specifically those looking to claim the Most Valuable Player title. So here are my predictions on who will take home the hardware.
Honourable Mentions:
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Call him a snake or a cupcake, KD is the best pure scorer of his generation. His 25.9 PPG are tied for 5th best in the league and his 5.2 APG are the best since he last won the MVP in 2013-14. Durant was the key reason that Golden State remained among the top teams in the West while Steph Curry was out with injury in December. However, most nights KD is not even the most valuable player on his own team. The starting 5 for Golden State consist of 4 multiple time All-Stars and 2 former MVPs. Durant is still enjoying a stellar season but not the best one.
DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans Peiicans
'Boogie' is loving New Orleans. I think? I can't tell, the man hardly ever looks happy. Cousins PPG (26.0) are top 4 in the league, his RPG (12.5) are 3rd best and his 5.2 APG are the best of his career thus far, all while have one of the best shooting seasons as well. However, we all know the problems with Cousins. His negative reviews from past coaches, players, as well as never making the playoffs (yet) are not the qualities that your typical MVP possess. We can hope Cousins loses his attitude because he is so incredibly talented. Perhaps, if Cousins and the Pelicans can make the playoffs this year, this will help Cousins turn his personal concerns around.
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
The former 1st overall pick is finally showing us all what we knew he was capable of, being an MVP player. Davis has been an extremely effective scorer for the past 4 years or so but prior to last season, the most games Davis played in a single season was 68 due to repeated injuries. Now this year, he is shooting over 55% from the field, including almost 37% from 3-point range. The injuries of the past will always be concern, but if the worst is behind him, Davis will be an annual threat for the MVP.
Top 3 Predictions:
#3: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
News Flash: 'The Greek Freak' is scary. Giannis' length and explosiveness makes him lethal at the rim, and he somehow slips and warps around anyone who wants to "defend" him. His 29.1 PPG are 2nd best in the league and the best of his very young career. Giannis is also proving himself as an elite defensive player, averaging 1.3 blocks per game and 1.6 steals per game, both good for Top 15 in the NBA, respectively. So this is all good but why isn't Giannis fully worthy of the Most Valuable Player? Well Giannis does not shoot the 3-pointer very often and when he does, he does not hit them at a good clip (he is just 26.7% from deep on the season). This is a quality that is becoming expected for top end players as they are needed to stretch the floor. He is also only shooting 77.9% from the free throw line, which isn't horrible but it could be so much better. Everyone believes he will be an MVP one day. I am among those people. This season is only a sample of what Giannis can do. And that is truly terrifying.
#2: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Last season was the first time since 2008 that Lebron had not been named a finalist for the MVP (for some reason?) and 'The King' does not plan on keeping that streak alive very long. LeBron's 27.5 PPG are his best since 2009-2010 when he averaged 29.7 in 76 games. His 9.1 APG are the best of his career in total. He is also shooting about 56% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc all while playing over 37 minutes a night. What makes these stats all the more impressive is the fact that James is 33 years old and in his 15th season in the league. Lebron also has 7 triple-doubles, the most by any 15 year vet in NBA history. James clearly deserves another MVP title and it looks as though he will challenge for the award for a few more years at least. However, LeBron is just a tad behind my predicted winner of the award.
#1: James Harden, Houston Rockets
"Fear the Beard" indeed. After being nominated for the award last year, it looks as though Harden will take home his first ever MVP title. He leads the league in PPG (32.3) and is 3rd in APG (9.1) and his field goal percentage (45.1%) is his best since his final season in Oklahoma City (2011-12). He continues to be a weapon from deep, shooting 39% from downtown. Harden has never scored lest than 20 points in game so far this season. Do I need to go on? Well what is stopping Harden from winning the award? I would say nothing, but at the time of writing this article, Harden has been sidelined for at least 2 weeks with a Grade 2 Hamstring Strain. The Houston Rockets may play it safe and keep their star out for longer. At the halfway point, I predict James Harden will win the MVP but this injury could be the turning point of his season. Time will tell.
Do you agree with my predictions?
Who do you think will win the MVP?
Let me know!
