What's up basketball fans! I am here again @dwin0603 to give you another interesting basketball discussion for another episode of NBA Talk! Today, we will talk about the strong candidates for the 2018-2019 Most Valuable Player Award. Let's begin!
The NBA season is fast approaching to the playoffs and the competition is getting tougher for every NBA teams. Same for the MVP race as the top players' competition in getting the MVP is getting tighter. This year's MVP race is one of a kind and it's really hard to guess who will win it. Now, let me tell you my thoughts about the MVP race.
The Sleepers
Paul George
The Oklahoma City Thunder is rolling this season and Paul George is having the best season of his career this season. He is leading the Thunder to a great NBA season and competing against the monsters in the Western Conference. I think George is the most valuable player in OKC, no disrespect for Westbrook but I think George is the main reason for their success this season.
George is averaging 26.7 points, 3.9 assists, 8.1 rebounds and 2.2 steals being one of the best two-way players in the league today. I think George has a strong case and I even ranked him higher than LeBron James in my MVP rankings. The Oklahoma City Thunder will surely make a huge statement in the playoffs and I think they can surprise us.
Nikola Jokic
I'm sure you've noticed this guy. Nikola Jokic is one of the best big men or should I say arguably the best big man in the NBA today. Jokic is the most unique big man who can do amazing things inside the court. As I said before in my previous blog, Jokic is like a point-center or a center who can play point guard . His basketball IQ is one of a kind and his vision is just so amazing. He's a very entertaining guy to watch and he can make highlight plays every single night with his sick passing skills.
The Denver Nuggets is the top team in the Western Conference and that is all thanks to Nikola Jokic's 19.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 0.8 blocks per game.
The Top Candidates
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Looks like Giannis Antetokounmpo's hard work this past summer is now paying off as he is now leading the Milwaukee Bucks second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-12 behind the Toronto Raptors' 32-12. Giannis has been unstoppable in the paint and I think that he is the best scorer in the paint. With his length and a much stronger body, Giannis punishes his opponents when he is close to the rim. He's been also an incredible defender and rim protector. His game evolved quickly as years go by and he is becoming more of a threat every year.
Giannis is averaging 26.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per contest. He and his Milwaukee bucks will surely make a noise in the playoffs and I don't see them exiting early in the first round. I think they have a chance to win the East and go straight to the finals.
James Harden
James Harden is the best offensive in the league right now and will surely end his career as one of the best offensive players to ever play the game. His offensive skill sets are out of this world. He is the most difficult to guard and sometimes unguardable when he is hot. He mastered the step-back three and put some creativity on it. It's also become more dangerous because of his consistent shooting. We all know that Harden is also one of the best in drawing fouls. It's really hard to guard him and the referees are also having a hard time officiating him. He's so good and sometimes I just hate him because he's so damn good. Anyway, he's one of the most exciting players to watch and I love watching him destroying the Golden State Warriors.
Harden is averaging a very impressive 34.1 points, 8.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He is the reigning MVP and I'm sure he's aiming for his second straight MVP. The competition is tight but Harden has all the kind of tools needed to be the MVP. If he continues to play like this all season long, I'm sure he'll win the award again.
That is all for today folks. I did not break down my Top 10 MVP award ranking here but I'll leave you with my list. I would love to hear your thoughts and I want to know who's your bet in winning the MVP award this season, so drop your comments now and let's have some basketball talk! :)
My Top 10 MVP Rankings
10. Joel Embiid
9. Nikola Jokic
8. Stephen Curry
7. Kevin Durant
6. Anthony Davis
5. LeBron James
4. Paul George
3. Kawhi Leonard
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
1. James Harden
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