The MVP seems to be a wide open race this year which bears the question, who’s my favorite to win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis is an obvious candidate to win MVP and repeat but there is only one way I see him doing this, averaging a triple double. Giannis showed us last year that he can score and rebound with the best of them but can he learn to shoot and pass.
If Giannis gets a three point shot he can absolutely take over the league. Imagine a 6’11 point forward who can shoot, posterize anyone, and block any shot. Giannis could basically craft himself into an athletic Kevin Durant who can be lethal in the half court and in transition.
The real decider of the MVP race for Giannis though is his passing. He has shown that he can score and rebound but adding a passing game he could average a triple double. He averaged 5.9 assists per game last year, just a few more and it would be very hard for the MVP voters to say no to Giannis.
James Harden
According to Rockets GM Daryl Morey: “James Harden is a better scorer than Michael Jordan,” and he is right. Offensively Harden does everything Jordan did and more. Harden can score from further out than Jordan and has a lethal stepback that will snap any defender’s ankles in an instant. Jordan way more defensively gifted than Harden and Harden will never touch MJ’s legacy but Harden is a better scorer.
We saw Harden average 36 points but very inefficiently taking almost 25 shots per game and only making 11 of those shots, posting a 44.2% from the field. Even with historically good scoring Harden wasn’t able to convince the voters, showing that he will need an even bigger scoring show this year to even have a chance.
Lebron James
The King is an obvious choice with his leadership capabilities, talent, and his loyal fan base of followers. LeBron finally got the co-star that he needed when this offseason the Lakers made a blockbuster move to trade their young core and multiple picks for a superstar in his prime in Anthony Davis. The Lakers are now in a win-now situation with a big three of LeBron, AD, and Kyle Kuzma with a veteran bench to back them up.
Although LeBron is one of the greatest to play the game I can’t see an MVP in his future. Anthony Davis will be shouldering more of the scoring load this year and will allow LeBron to pass more and take games off for rest. Thanks to all of this he has little a chance to win the MVP.
Stephen Curry
Steph’s three point shooting is unmatched by anyone in today’s game. He is one of the best catch and shoot shooters and he is the best shooter off of the dribble. He is the holder of many three-point records and is unequivocally the greatest three point shooter of all-time.
Steph is dawning on the twilight of his prime, giving him little time to win another MVP but he has a great chance this year. He is the first scoring option for the first time since Kevin Durant joined Golden State and Klay is out until March, the perfect opportunity to average over 30 ppg and 10 assists. If he can get his scoring up and lead the Warriors to a fifth seed or better the voters will have a hard time saying no to him.
Joel Embiid
Embiid’s case for MVP completely relies on his longevity during the season. No mvp has ever played less than 71 games, Embiid’s career high is 64 games. The Sixers tend to sit him to keep him healthy for a deep playoff run and let Ben Simmons run the show. Another key to Embiid’s MVP case is his shooting. Embiid has been working over the summer to develop a jump shot and his ability to stretch the floor. This would allow Simmons to have driving lanes and chances to throw passes out of the key and to a big who can shoot.
Embiid is a definite longshot for MVP as he has his health problems and he isn’t a very good passer. He is an amazing defender and scorer at the bucket but he doesn’t do much else. If Embiid extends his game he might have a chance at an MVP.
The Sports Source 