This past season of the NBA has probably been one of the most memorable ones to date. From Russell Westbrook averaging a triple-double (for the second time) to Lebron James who is leading his team in almost all categories. All of these players in this race are definitely deserving of the award but only one can win it.
The MVP candidate guidelines usually consist of a few factors:
One factor that is considered is the overall success of the team the player is on. If the team didn’t do too well or win many games during the season, then the chances of giving the award to that player on that team are very low.
Another factor, of course, is the player’s individual statistics that year. Usually, the candidates are all averaging very impressive numbers in more than one category. For example, a player needs to average something along these lines: 20 points, 5 rebounds or 5 assists or more in whichever category.
The last factor that the league evaluates is how much that player contributed to the team’s wins and how did that player affect the team as a whole. Players can either make their teammates worse or better and that’s what is mainly being looked at here. All three of these factors are weighed in heavily when choosing the MVP and anyone that qualifies for the award.
Here are the top five candidates for the award:
- James Harden, Houston Rockets
- Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
- Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
- Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
James Harden is the top candidate and the favorite to win this award this year. In the 2017-18 regular season, Harden averaged 30.4 points, 8.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds. He led his team to an impressive 65-17 record and gaining the number one seed in the NBA playoffs. Harden has had some 50-point games this year and put up spectacular numbers night after night this season, making many highlight reel plays as well. But he also made his teammates better and got his entire team involved while playing. An unstoppable force.
The second candidate for the MVP award is Lebron James. During the regular season, James averaged 27.5 points, 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds. He led his team to pretty solid 50-32 record. His team was a three-seed in the Eastern Conference in the playoffs this year. James has been in the MVP race almost every year and has even won a few awards as well during his career. He is arguably one of the best to ever play the game of basketball and most won’t be shocked if he does win this award.
The third candidate for the award is Anthony Davis. This past regular season Davis averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Davis led his team to a 48-34 record this year in the Western Conference. New Orleans had struggled in the past with getting to the postseason, but with the help of Davis’s numbers and leadership, not only did he lead his team to a positive record, but he also led his team to the playoffs with the sixth seed as well. Davis had a marvelous regular season and many people are looking forward to seeing how his career will turn out.
The fourth MVP candidate this year is Damian Lillard. Lillard averaged 26.9 points, 6.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds during the regular season. He led his team to a 49-33 record this season. Lillard wasn’t the only person on his team that was successful this season, but he also was an excellent leader and commander for the Blazers leading them to a three-seed in the postseason.
The final candidate for the MVP award this season is Kevin Durant. Durant averaged 26.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Durant is always in the talk for the MVP award and has already won one time in the past. He led his team with the help of other stars to an impressive 58-24 record. Durant had many injuries during the season and really couldn’t maximize his full opportunity, but he still had a phenomenal season.
All of the facts and stats are out there and here for everyone to read and see. Whoever does get the award for this past NBA season will have earned it.
