My NBA KIA MVP Predictions
Of all the individual awards distributed at the end of the season, the Kia’s Most Valuable Player award is by far the most prestigious and recognized. Since the 1955–1996 season, the NBA has been proudly honoring the best players in history such as Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and many more current and future Hall of Fame inductees. With the United States as the clear powerhouse globally, the NBA MVP award not only recognizes a player as the best basketball player in the country, but also in the world.
In the current 2017–2018 season, the NBA MVP race is as tight as ever. Never before in history has the award been so closely contested among more than five unique players. From pure scorers to passers to rebounders to all-around players, each individual has his distinct strengths and weaknesses; weighing those influences is what makes the decision controversial.
Background on the Process:
- Up until the 1979–1980 season, the players voted on the MVP
- Since the 1980–1981 season, a panel of more than 100 media members from the United States and Canada vote for their top five selections. The person with the largest number of points win.
- First Place: 10 points
- Second Place: 7 Points
- Third Place: 5 Points
- Fourth Place: 3 Points
- Fifth Place: 1 Point
- Starting in 2010, one ballot was decided through online voting: texting, tweeting, and posting. (ex. on Twitter, using the hashtag #NBAVote and commenting the player’s name will tally one vote online).
Since it is still early in the season, anything can happen. However, judging from previous trends and the current performance of the players, I have composed a likely ordered list of the next player to accept this distinguished award:
5: Stephen Curry
Notable Statistics: 27.8 PPG, 6.8 APG, 90.3 FT%, 43.6 3PT%
“Baby-Faced Assassin”: Regarded as one of the best shooters in NBA history, Stephen Curry could be titled as the man who shifted the modern style of NBA play to revolve around the three point line. As a small guard, only standing at 6’3”, Steph Curry uses his shifty speed and quick shot release to maneuver around the bigger players. Two seasons ago, he led his Golden State Warriors team to the best record in NBA history, while also receiving the first unanimous MVP victory in history. Continuously, he is shattering records with his highlight performances.
However, in this MVP race, he is going to have to exceed expectations by a large margin. With the addition of Kevin Durant, Steph Curry will not be able to reach his full potential; the credit for his team’s winnings will be split between the two. For a chance at the award, the Warriors must win 70+ games, and Steph Curry must produce astronomical numbers. Even with his current outstanding statistics at 27.8 PPG, he will need to score more points, while also becoming more well rounded in the assists/rebounds column.
4: James Harden
Notable Statistics: 32.3 PPG, 9.1 APG, 45.1 FG%
“Fear the Beard”, they say. This point guard, known for his premier ball-handling skills, may appear to be slow, but is shockingly one of the quickest guards in the league. Often, there are SportsCenter Top 10 plays featuring him and his ankle-breaker plays. In the 2016–2017 NBA season, he was the runner-up for the MVP award. His crisp modes of scoring and versatility in his ability to pass, make him a strong contender for this year’s award. However, he is often mocked for his lack of drive on the defensive end of the floor.
In addition, with Chris Paul now on his Houston Rockets team, his leadership may be inhibited. The Rockets are nearly undefeated with Chris Paul on the floor, and seem to struggle with him on the bench. Despite the Rocket’s second place seeding in the Western Conference, these troubles may hurt Harden’s credibility to seriously affect his team. He must continue to stay healthy through the remainder of the season. His numbers surpass the typical MVP expectations; Harden simply needs to show that he is THE X-FACTOR on his team.
3: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Notable Statistics: 28.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG
“The Greek Freak” stands at 6’11” with a wingspan of 7’0”. At only 23 years old, he is shocking the world with his ability to easily score and effectively defend. Since his “Most Improved Player” performance last year, he has been noticeably gaining muscle, allowing him to comfortably work in the low post. His length and superhuman athleticism make it easy for highlight dunks, but he struggles tremendously outside the painted area. His inability to accurately shoot the ball, noted by many, may be a large reason in preventing him from receiving votes.
Additionally, his Milwaukee Bucks team is currently struggling to win. They are placed 8th in the Eastern Conference; one could question that if he can’t help his team win more, how can he be the most “valuable”?
The good news is that at 23 years old, he has more than enough time to perfect his shot and take leadership; in the coming years, as current superstars get older, I expect Giannis to be at the top of this list. Don’t get me wrong though! With his spurts of greatness, he can potentially take the title this year!
2: Kyrie Irving
Notable Statistics: 24.0 PPG, 47.7 FG%, +/-: +40 (clutch time)
“Uncle Drew”, originally from New Jersey, is undoubtedly the best ball handler in the league. Since his controversial departure from Cleveland to Boston, Kyrie has been playing like a true superstar. On the Boston Celtics, he has taken the leadership role — at only 25 years of age. Although his statistics aren’t as spectacular as other players in the league, his efficiency and knowledge of the game are outstanding. In the closing minutes ball play, he is the most clutch player — and it’s not even close. His +/- of +40 during clutch time demonstrates not only Kyrie’s eagerness to take the last shot but also his confidence in making the basket. Furthermore, he has improved his defensive skills, in response to the criticism he received last year.
Interestingly, the Boston Celtics don’t nearly have a roster that resembles a “super team”; yet, with Kyrie’s leadership, the Boston Celtics are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference. If Kyrie can continue to produce for the Celtics, possibly leading them to much postseason success, he could very easily be on the acceptance podium.
1: Lebron James
Notable Statistics: 27.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 8.8 APG
“The King”, now 33 years old in his 15th NBA season, is producing astonishing numbers that would be expected from a superstar in his prime. Standing at 6’9” and weighing 250 lbs, he is an unstoppable force on the court. While playing around 36.8 minutes per game, it often seems as if he is the only contributing member on the court. The only concern for him is his ability to continue dominating; his numbers are already dropping from the beginning of the season. Yet, it would be unwise to count him out, considering his relentless determination as shown through his previous seasons.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference. However, similar to previous years, I expect the veteran leader to push his team to the top of the conference leaderboard. His consistent ability to score at will, pass with finesse, and rebound monstrously sets him apart as possibly the best player to ever step on the hardwood. Defying all odds, he is balling like he is in his prime! I wouldn’t be surprised if he is still in condition to play at age 45! His devotion and mindset for winning make him the most deserving for the MVP award.