1. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
The 2014-2015 Most Improved Player is back in Chicago and his new contract could set the stage for an even better season in 2015-2016. Whether or not Derrick Rose is healthy may quickly become irrelevant if Butler picks up where he left off. A 20.0 points-per-game average last season had heads turning around the league. Butler, who will be 26 in September, is also a talented defender and his youth is crucial on a Bulls roster that is primarily comprised of players over 30. Entering his fifth year in the league, Butler could fly under-the-radar as a prime MVP candidate which, in turn, could allow the Bulls to make a serious run at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
2. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
Another 2015 award-winner, Wiggins is looking at an improved roster that could put him in company with the NBA's elite. Karl-Anthony Towns, whom the Minnesota Timberwolves selected with the first overall pick in the 2015 Draft, could make it difficult for opposing defenses to keep track of Wiggins. Last year's Rookie of the Year averaged 16.9 points-per-game in his first season in the NBA. After receiving early comparisons to LeBron James dating back to his high school days, Wiggins is destined to be one of the NBA's best young talents. An improved Timberwolves roster should pave the way for the second-year man to make a run at the MVP.
3. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
After losing four other starters, Lillard has the tough task of carrying the load for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2015-2016. He is, by far, their best scorer (21.0 ppg last season) and has the capability to be even better without LaMarcus Aldridge. With a career average of 6.1 assists-per-game, Lillard has never been a sharing point guard. Now, his one-man-band could mean the stars are aligned for an MVP run. The Blazers will need an MVP-like performance out of their fourth-year man if they intend to make it back to the postseason.
4. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks
Overshadowed by Wiggins and largely forgotten due to a torn ACL last season, Parker could emerge as a leader on a surprisingly good Milwaukee Bucks roster. After Jason Kidd lead his team to the postseason in 2014-2015 without the 2015 second overall draft pick, the Bucks can expect a return appearance to the playoffs in 2015-2016. Parker may be an X-factor this season and, pending his return from injury, could breakout into an MVP candidate. At this current stage, the former Duke standout is continuing rehabilitation and his return date is unknown. In the meantime, the Bucks will look to third-year man, Giannis Antetokounmpo, to continue his rise. If Parker remains out, Antetokounmpo could take the reins in a hunt for the MVP trophy. But, in a perfect world, both remain healthy for the 2015-2016 season, with Parker emerging as a young candidate for the award.
5. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
The younger of the two Wiz Kids, Beal is often overshadowed by his running mate, John Wall. However, with the loss of Paul Pierce to free agency, the Wizards will look to Beal to elevate his play. Entering his fourth season in the NBA, the 22 year-old has the scoring ability to take over a game. His 15.3 points-per-game average during the regular season increased to 23.4 during the 2015 postseason. If Wall can find a way to get Beal open looks on a consistent basis, the former Florida Gator could catch the eyes of the NBA world and run up on LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Davis in the quest for the 2016 NBA MVP.