Who Will Win NBA MVP?

By: Parnell Saint-Preux

Ever since Los Angeles Lakers superstar, LeBron James decided to take his talents to Southern California this offseason, the likelihood is that he would run away with the league MVP. According to most, James is considered the best basketball player in the NBA and still continuing his level of greatness as he approaches his 16th year in his career.

Last season, James averaged 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists, while shooting over 54% from the field. James finished the season with his eighth consecutive appearance in the NBA Finals, followed by being the runner-up for MVP behind Houston Rockets star James Harden.

However, let’s not ignore the fact that James is facing elite competition in the quest for MVP. New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo would say otherwise. Presently, both Davis and Antetokounmpo are recognized as the top 5 players in the NBA and have the potential eclipse James as the best basketball player in the near future.

In 2017, Davis averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and lead the league in blocks, contributing 2.6 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo scored 26.9 points, along with averaging 10 rebounds. The two of them are generational, transcendent talents who have the capability of winning numerous individual awards.

Let’s not forget Harden, after what he what accomplished by carrying the Rockets to the number 1 seed in the Western Conference. After multiple years finishing second in the MVP race, Harden eventually got his shine by winning his first MVP, combining 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. Even with the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony, who will take somewhat of the scoring load from Harden, nonetheless, Anthony is coming off the bench. Also, anticipate Harden having another tremendous in the scoring category, while he and the Rockets are still the team to compete against the Golden State Warriors in the West.

Lastly, what about Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard? Leonard, along with Danny Green were traded to Toronto in exchange for Demar DeRozan and Jakob Poltl. Rumors emerged that Leonard demanded a trade from the Spurs. This is a perfect opportunity for Leonard to revitalize and reestablish himself as the versatile, extraordinary player we once knew. Leonard only played 9 games last season after suffering and rehabbing from a right quadriceps injury. However, the competition in the Eastern Conference won’t be as familiar to Leonard, considering how the Eastern Conference is much-improved, compared to previous years.

In addition, Leonard could receive a huge max contract with the Raptors for his on the court contributions. Although reports circulated that Leonard would like to move to Los Angeles and play for either the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, it would extremely complicated for him to pass up a potential max contract.

2018 will be an exciting year for fans around the world to see some of the greatest players play. The NBA season kicks off on October 17th. However, one will end up victorious capturing the MVP award at the 3rd annual NBA Awards ceremony in June 2019. There are a lot of interesting choices that already been mentioned and perhaps more. In the end, we will never know, until we see.