With the season being roughly a month and a half old, let’s take a look at the top 5 MVP candidates thus far for the 2014-15 NBA season.
1) Stephen Curry
As of now, Curry should be the unanimous choice for MVP. Not only is he the floor general and best player for the league’s best team, but Curry has also put up some insane statistics. He has averaged 23 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 three pointers, and 2 steals per contest so far. Unlike the stars who put up excellent numbers on horrendous teams, 20 of Curry’s first 22 games resulted in victories for the Dubs. Golden State is clicking on all cylinders right now, and it all starts with their superstar point guard, Stephen Curry.
2) Anthony Davis
If Curry’s numbers are classified insane, then Davis’s stats should be considered ridiculously insane. The former number 1 overall pick has averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks per game while shooting 57% from the field. AD has been an absolute monster this season, and has emerged into the league’s next superstar. The Pelicans have stayed in contention for the last playoff seed in the West so far, and if they end up making the playoffs by season’s end then Davis’s MVP chances would significantly improve. Until the Pelicans can take the next step as a team, it’s tough to rank Davis ahead of Curry.
3) LeBron James
The four-time MVP returned home this season and took over as the immediate leader of a young Cleveland team. After a rather sluggish start, the Cavaliers seem to have clicked as a team, and they currently sit at 13-9 in the standings. While it is not fair to say the King is in decline, it may be justifiable to argue that he has already reached his peak. Maybe it’s because he is adjusting to new teammates, but James just hasn’t looked as dominant as he has in recent years. Nonetheless, his presence has obviously turned the Cavs into a contender and transformed the basketball culture of an entire city, which is why LeBron still belongs at no. 3 on this list.
4) John Wall
John Wall has thrived into one of the NBA’s best point guards, and the fact that his Wizards have progressed into one of the Eastern Conference’s premier teams certainly helps his MVP case. With 18 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game, Wall is one of the best statistical point guards; he trails only Rajon Rondo in assists, showing he has improved his ability to facilitate and lead an offense. Wall has emerged into a complete player and leader for a contender in the East, which is deserving of MVP consideration in my book.
5) LaMarcus Aldridge
Aldridge used to be overshadowed by the other elite power forwards in the Western Conference, but in the past few seasons he has finally received the recognition he deserves; now it’s time to reward him in the MVP ballot. The Blazers are one of the best teams in the league, and Aldridge’s leadership and scoring have been essential for their success. Even with Damian Lillard around, LMA is clearly the go-to guy for Terry Stotts.
Superstars I Refuse to Include:
Kobe Bryant: Regardless of how impressive his track record and stats may appear, Bryant shoots 39% from the field for the 13th best team in the West – the Black Mamba isn’t winning any kind of trophy this year.
James Harden: In basketball, you spend just as much time on defense as you do offense. Harden still plays little to no defense, so I’ll pass.
Carmelo Anthony: Anthony takes too many bad shots for the 29th best team in the NBA – no thanks. If Anthony wanted a better chance at winning the MVP award or a championship, then he should have taken advantage of his opportunity to leave the dreadful Knicks when he could.
Chris Paul and Blake Griffin: It isn’t that I refuse to include them on my MVP list, but they are so equally important to the success of the LA Clippers that it would be unfair to rank one above the other. Two years ago, CP3 was the far more valuable Clipper, but Griffin has made tremendous improvements under Doc Rivers. Also, it’s tough to fully analyze and understand their true value considering the other player is just as involved in the Clippers’ game plan on a nightly basis.
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and DeMarcus Cousins: All three are very talented and valuable players, but they simply haven’t played enough games. After April, things may be different regarding these three.
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