WAS:
John Wall: John Wall has ben back packing this Wizards team all season long, as he's been the anchor of this team while the team had no management help the whole season. Wall is averaging 23/7/5 on 46% shooting as the main option for this Wizards team. Without Wall, this Wizards team will most likely be as bad as the Thunder, or the Mavericks right now.
POR:
Kevin Durant: Statistically he is having an unprecedented season. His numbers have only been matched by someone by the name of Wilt Chamberlain. I don't feel his "lack of winning" should be held against him giving the circumstances of the franchise he has been with for the past few seasons - the GM prior to the current one really didn't give him a chance."
NOP:
Anthony Davis: Simple.
Anthony Davis is the undoubtedly the best post option in the league. He's shooting a league-leading 60.6% from the field. He's 5th in rebounds, 1st in blocks and adds almost 1.5 steals per game to round out one impressive stat line:
29.2ppg on 60% shooting and 1.61ppsa, 10.3rpg, 2.5bpg, 1.3spg
Oh, and by the way, he even edges out the fabled James "Michael Jordan" Harden in PPSA, 1.61 to 1.60! Boom!
HOU:
James Harden: James Harden's stats are the lowest they've been since Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins were a duo in Houston, and a far cry from last season's insane 35.0ppg, but regardless, Harden's efficiency has never been higher, and his defense has never been stronger. With Thaddeus Young back in the mix after missing most of last season, and the acquisition of 6MOY frontrunner Brandon Knight, Harden hasn't needed to put up exorbitant stats to get his team to easy victories, so he's playing barely 30mpg.
Harden's case for MVP is purely based on team success. The Rockets have half as many losses as the next best team in the Western Conference (9 vs Sacramento's 18) and still boast the top record in the league despite losing three of the last six games prior to the All-Star break due to injuries and a superhuman performance by Pelicans star Anthony Davis. Harden's stats will be completely eclipsed by outrageous scoring totals from superstars on mediocre teams (Durant is averaging 42/9, being force-fed 25 FGA and 16 FTA per game for example). The MVP winner is usually the best player on the best team with a superstar, rather than just the guy with the best stats.
DET:
Kemba Walker: Kemba walker is at it again. Stopping nearly 100% of drives faces, creating turnovers and scoring at ridiculous rates. If you're a numbers type of person his 23.7 ppg in 33.6 minutes might not stand up to other MVP candidates but the 4.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks for a 6'1" player aren't shabby either. 48% FG percentage is ridiculous and better than some big men, 85% FT is solid, and 36% from three is more icing on the cake. If on a team with no other options, Kemba would no doubt be near 30 ppg, but he is the heart and soul of this Pistons franchise and should be the hands down MVP for his all around game.
CHA:
Klay Thompson: The case for Klay:
The case for Klay:
Leading the charge during the Charlotte Hornets renaissance has been Klay Thompson. He has played at an all-star level this year, despite being snubbed, and is the biggest reason that we continue our strong team play. We'll start with the obvious here, which is Klay's shooting; he is coming in at a blistering 47.5% from deep on an unfathomable 9.7 attempts per game. He breaks zones all by himself and can bury you in a hurry. If you catch him on an on night, which is pretty often, you are in for trouble. He is the best, most deadly sniper in the league, and that alone should lend him some consideration for MVP.
Now, onto the overlooked aspects of Klay's game. Would you believe that Klay is 2nd on the time in both assists and steals per game (3.5 & 1.3)? What about that he's 4th on the team in total rebounds per game (4.6)? He's much more than just a shooter and positively impacts the game in many different areas. Even his defense has seen improvement, as he's got a drive stop percentage in the 60's while also notching 1.3 steals per game. Not too shabby, considering he has been one of the worst defenders in the league in recent years. So, what have you got in Klay? You've got the most dangerous 3-point gunner in the CSL universe, who gets his teammates involved, does the little things well and even gives you solid defense. You've got an MVP.
Who do you think will win the MVP!
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