2017-18 NBA MVP Frontrunners

A quarter of the season has gone by. Players are now starting to assert themselves and create a case for the NBA MVP award. Some are familiar names, while others are making their case for the first time in their careers. So here are the top 5 frontrunners for the regular season MVP award.

First, some Honourable mentions to the following players:
Stephen Curry, Andre Drummond, Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Russell Westbrook.

Nominees for the NBA MVP Awards

1. 25.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.1 bpg

The Latvian forward is now the undisputed leader and face of the New York Knicks after Carmelo Anthony’s departure. With just support from Enes Kanter and Tim Hardaway Jr, a new, more positive New York Knicks are emerging. While just outside the playoff spots, they are in contention in a tightly packed Eastern Conference. Porzingis is currently averaging a career high in points, blocks and shooting. If he can lead the Knicks to the post-season, no reason why his name will not be in the NBA MVP consideration. Especially with no starts to pick up the slack on his off-days.

No Melo, No Jackson, No Triangle offense, It’s a new era for the Knicks.

1. 24.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.1 bpg, 53% shooting

The Warriors and their super stars have picked up where they were last season. Kevin Durant, who seamlessly fit into the new team has continued his all-round performance. Not only is he a strong rebounder and scorer, he is not providing for his teammates, indicated by his assists. But the biggest difference is his defensive effort. The small forward is now pulling his weight on the defensive end of the floor. The 2.1 blocks per game is nearly double of his career average of 1.1.

He continues to prove to be an efficient and brilliant scorer. His 3-point shooting is averaging at 41% and field goals at 53% overall. With his massive contributions to the Warriors, he and the Warriors are no doubts favourites to retain the title.

1. 29.4 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.8spg, 1.8 bpg, 54% shooting

The Greek freak is leading the Bucks by example. The Most Improved player is now fighting for the NBA MVP title. He is averaging a career high in points and rebounds and shooting. The Bucks are trying to surround him with the right pieces, such as Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton and Malcom Bogdan. Like any team leader, not only has he affirmed his love for the team and city, but he is showing it with much improved performances as well.

The only weakness of the Greek Freak is his 3-point shooting. If he can improve that more and lead the Bucks to a comfortable 4 or 5 seed in the East and advance at least to the second round playoffs, it’s likely that Kobe’s challenge to Giannis will come true.

1. 28.3ppg, 7.9rpg, 8.7apg, 1.2 bpg, 58.3% FG accuracy.

Is there a season when LeBron James is not considered a favourite for the MVP? Even after 15 seasons, 1084 and 217 playoff games, the King still leads his team.  Only in 3 other seasons has he averaged more points per game. His rebounds and assist are well over his career averages. The biggest factor is his shooting. James is shooting a career best 58% from the field. He has now added 3-point shooting to his arsenal as he is averaging 41% from beyond the arc on 4.7 attempts a night.

For James, the question is if he can sustain this in the long run. He still averages 38 minutes a night, and with so much mileage on his body, it is obvious he will be having quite a few rest nights coming up. However, with such performances, he is a leading candidate for the NBA MVP award.

1. 31.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 9.7 apg, 1.7 spg

James Harden is the leading man for the MVP award. Since he arrived at Houston, no player in the NBA has scored more points than the Beard. IT was obvious that some his production would fall with the arrival of Chris Paul. But when his fellow all-star backcourt partner was injured, he stepped up. He is averaging over 30 points a night and nearly 10 assists as well (both leading the NBA). That means on any given night, he is assisting and scoring on more than 50 points at the very least. He is also scoring a career best 45% from the field and 40% from the 3-point line.

The most surprising aspect of the season is his improvement and defence overall. No wonder the Houston Rockets are 7 in defense this season. Harden and the team as a whole have stepped up. With Westbrook struggling with his fellow all-stars, there’s no reason why Harden can’t win the NBA MVP award.