LeBron James
BY JUSTIN LIMOGES
The winner of this years NBA MVP award will go to none other than LeBron James It would be difficult to think of an MVP title race without his name on the ballot.
There are a few reasons why it shouldn’t come as a shock that the King will win his fifth NBA MVP award. First, a majority of the talent moved to the Western Conference in free agency, former Cavalier Kyrie Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics and their are no set dates for when Isaiah Thomas and Kawhi Leonard will return from their injuries.
Last years MVP, Russell Westbrook, and runner-up, James Harden, will both be finding it difficult to rack up stats and take the spotlight on their teams, as they did last season. Fellow superstars Paul George and Carmelo Anthony joined Westbrook in Oklahoma City, and Chris Paul is now a member of the Rockets.
James averaged 26-8-8 during the 2016-17 season with Irving by his side, but now, its the Kings time to take up the mantle as point guard. He already sits comfortably at 27-7-8 with four games into the season, and he isnt planning on slowing down. James has the winning mentality and is fired up more than ever.
While Id love to see a younger and different contender make a run for MVP, Id rather keep my bet with the heavily-experienced 32-year-old, whos been in the last eight NBA Finals.
Dont get me wrong, I do like Ronans dark horse pick for Giannis Antetokounmpo; however, the Milwaukee Bucks simply dont put up enough points for him and need to win more in order for The Greek Freak to be the No.1 contender for the NBA MVP.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
BY RONAN KHALSA
The NBA is becoming a position-free league and 611 Giannis Antetokounmpo seamlessly fits into the new structure. The Greek Freak, as he is dubbed, has improved each of the past four seasons. Earlier this year, he asked the world, Why cant I win the MVP? Come seasons end, the 22-year-old, will put it all together and hoist the MVP award high above his head.
Antetokounmpo is a tough point forward, and he is always improving in terms of leadership, intangibles and statistics. He can shoot the three, has the strength to finish at the basket, possesses excellent court vision, rebounds with authority and uses his lanky physique to force turnovers.
Additionally, Antetokounmpo has shown flashes of dominance over other perennial MVP candidates. While the Cavs got the win over the Bucks in their early season matchup, Antetokounmpo finished with 10 more points than LeBron James. After the game, the aging King said, [Giannis] has the skill set. He has the talent. He has a great coach that can help get him to that point [winning the MVP].
Justin may claim LeBron will win his fifth MVP as a result of his strong supporting cast and experience. But, so far this season, Antetokounmpo leads Lebron in points per game, steals, has fewer turnovers. Unfortunately, voters seem to select NBA award recipients based upon overall team record instead of meaningful statistics.
The Greek Freak will bring his humble personality to the floor each game this season and finally fulfill the question he posed to the world by winning the NBA MVP.
