Stephen Curry will look to retain his NBA MVP honor during the 2015-16 season, but there’s a strong field of superstars chasing the Golden State Warriors guard.
In addition to Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant returning from injury, each of the top-six MVP finishers in 2014-15 return to his previous team. James Harden (Houston Rockets) and LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) highlight the pack, while Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans) is primed for an outstanding season.
No matter who ultimately takes home the hardware, though, be sure to keep tabs on the following MVP-caliber players.
Honorable Mentions
Blake Griffin: He is so much more than a high-flying dunker. Griffin tallied 21.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists en route to being named third-team All-NBA in 2014-15. The power forward is the league’s best passing big and has drastically improved his shooting range and efficiency, but Griffin lacks a standout defensive quality that overcomes his reputation.
Russell Westbrook: Though the OKC point guard absolutely will put up gaudy numbers, Westbrook will typically take a back seat to Durant. Westbrook piled up 28.1 points, 8.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds last season, but he averaged 22.7, 7.1 and 5.0 between 2010-14 when Durant was healthy. Expect a stellar year from Westbrook that isn’t quite MVP-worthy.
DeMarcus Cousins: The biggest problem standing in the way of DeMarcus Cousins making a run at the Maurice Podoloff Trophy is his own team. Between an average roster and a daunting Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings aren’t playoff contenders. At 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, though, Cousins is certainly deserving of MVP votes.
5. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant doesn’t need to prove his talent, but the 2013-14 NBA MVP will certainly be on a mission to remind the competition why he’s already earned the award once. Before a foot injury sidelined the forward for most of 2014-15, Durant had led the league in scoring during four of the previous five seasons.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated (h/t The Oklahoman), OKC coach Billy Donovan said he doesn’t worry about the injury being an issue because Durant has no been cleared with no limitations. Durant’s scoring output combined his contributions as a rebounder and passer will keep him in the MVP hunt.
4. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
The novelty of LeBron James being recognized as the best player has worn off, and that’s simply not fair to the 30-year-old legend. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers standout will always be in the conversation.
James has averaged at least 25 points, six rebounds and six assists in every season for the last 11 years. He can play four positions on offense, handle any defensive assignment and flat-out carry a team. It’s mind-boggling to think some NBA fans still aren’t sold on the four-time MVP. What else must James do to convince someone of his merit?
3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
When the league released its national television schedule, the common takeaway was the best franchises would appear plenty of times. But the underrated part of the news was how the NBA itself is ready to showcase New Orleans dynamo Anthony Davis.
In 2014-15, the 22-year-old finished with a 53.5 field goal percentage, recording 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and an NBA-leading 2.9 blocks per game. The only five other players in NBA history to post those numbers can be found in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Get ready to see Davis constantly tear up a nationally televised court.
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
The Baby-Faced Assassin is directly in the middle of what’s considered an athlete’s prime. At 27 years old, Stephen Curry has established himself as the NBA’s most electric guard, shaking defenders with dazzling dribbling skills, sinking shots from all over and celebrating before a ball drops through the net.
Curry’s numbers didn’t improve drastically from 2013-14 to 2014-15, but the Warriors as a team made significant strides. So, the extra attention Golden State deserved and received often fell directly on its superstar guard. Curry is now squarely in the spotlight and won’t leave center stage because of his production, efficiency and even watchability.
1. James Harden, Houston Rockets
Not only is Harden one of the NBA’s best and most versatile creators on offense, the left-hander is in a system that promotes his attack-attack-attack mentality. Harden logged a league-high 2,981 minutes last season, hoisting 1,470 shots and 824 free throws. He registered 27.4 points, 7.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.
The Rockets added Ty Lawson to the roster, and the point guard’s passing ability should only take pressure off Harden and allow him to contribute as an off-ball scorer, too. Harden will have the volume and opportunity to score, which will conceal his defensive flaws—just like Golden State accomplished with Curry last season—and make Harden the starting point of every MVP conversation in 2015-16.