This early in the season, it is almost impossible to determine who will win the MVP race in the NBA. That being said, it won’t stop me from trying. We are not even a full month in, but there has been enough evidence to show who leads the race. Without further ado, here are the top-five MVP candidates thus far in the NBA.
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
As it stands, Davis has been the most impressive and most valuable player in the league this year. He regularly displays his freakish athleticism, and has enough polish on his game to impose his will on both ends of the floor, inside and out. He leads the New Orleans Pelicans in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks (25.5, 11.4, 2.3, 3.9) and currently leads the league in PER (Player efficiency rating) by a country mile. His rating of 36.16 is the best, and his EWA (estimated wins added) is 4.5, also tops in the league. Though his team is only 6-4 and in eighth place in the western conference, without Davis’s outstanding play so far, they could easily be at the bottom of the barrel.
2. James Harden, Houston Rockets
Harden’s improved contribution on defense has him in the conversation of the NBA’s best so far. His scoring has not declined, and in fact he seems to thrive more with a healthy Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza spacing the floor. Harden handles the offense on virtually every play, and his unique way of attacking the basket makes him a menace to defend. Defensively, he has shown more hustle and effort, and by way of how horrendous his defense was last year, his defense has improved. Ultimately, his best contributions come on the offensive end, and so far he has been a vital piece for the Rockets, and likely will be all season.
3. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
The man affectionately known as “Boogie” has shown that he checked his baggage at the door and can be an absolute beast inside. Shooting 50% from the floor, Cousins has revitalized a franchise that has been a black hole for years. The Kings are above .500 on the back of Cousins’ 22 ppg, 11.5 rpg averages that have highlighted just how important he is. Every night he is relied on to put up big numbers and make his presence felt, and this season he is doing that defensively as well. He seems to have learned a thing or two from Anthony Davis playing on team USA this summer, and he averages 1.5 blocks per game, a career high. If he keeps up his play and keeps propping up the Kings, his name will no doubt remain in this conversation for the entire season.
4. John Wall, Washington Wizards
While John Wall’s statistics won’t jump off the page at you, he has developed his game this year and now has a jump shot. For a player who previously relied on attacking the basket relentlessly, this is a frightening proposition for anyone tasked with guarding him. He has still averaged 18.6 ppg, 9.3 apg, and 2.3 spg, but the most impressive aspect of his performance so far has been the absence of back-court mate Bradley Beal. Beal is an electric shooter and has developed excellent chemistry with Wall in their time together. He also has only played in one game this season, but Wall has carried the Wizards to a 7-3 record, good for third in the eastern conference. Once Beal returns, Wall’s numbers could even improve, with more spacing and offensive balance helping the way. He belongs in the early MVP consideration.
5. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Rounding out the top five is a man whose contributions often take place off the stat sheet. That is not to say that Marc Gasol’s numbers have not been stellar: 18 poings, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game is nothing to turn your nose up at. Where Gasol’s true value lies, however, is his defensive intensity and prowess. Gasol is the anchor behind the second best defense in the league, and has played his role superbly throughout his time in Memphis. Last season, Gasol missed an extended period of time and the Grizzlies barely squeaked into the playoffs before losing to Oklahoma City in seven games. This season, with a healthy Gasol prowling the paint on both ends, they are first in the league with a 10-2 record. Zach Randolph certainly appreciates having his frontcourt mate back in the fold, and Gasol’s contributions both in and out of the box score have him in the early MVP discussion.
Honorable Mention:
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kyle Lowry, LeBron James, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul