MVP So Far and Who To Watch

The NBA season is almost to Christmas Day and we still have a team that’s unbeaten, the Golden State Warriors are 24-0 and are creeping up on the 1971-72 Lakers’ 33-game winning streak. If the Warriors are to get passed that mark and establish a longer streak, I’m not sure when they’ll lose. The 1995-96 Steve Kerr led Chicago Bulls set the bar high with a 72-10 record and when you talk to NBA people across the league they know that record could be in jeopardy. Nonetheless, there are other players and teams in the NBA so let’s focus on that.

Who’s Got The MVP So Far? This might be an easy one for some but for the sake of me writing this article I’ll throw some names out there.

1. Steph Curry: It’s simple, the Warriors are 24-0 and Steph Curry is leading the way. 32.2 PPG, 52% FG, 46%
2. Paul George: The Pacers weren’t really thought of as a team to beat in the Eastern Conference, and they probably aren’t, but don’t tell Paul George that. George only played in 6 games last season after coming back from injury and has the Pacers quietly in 4^th place in the East at 13-8. If PG13 can keep putting up the numbers he is the Pacers could sneak into the Conference Finals. 27.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.3 APG
3. LeBron James: James isn’t having his best season but he has the Cavaliers atop the Eastern Conference. He won’t say it but the four-time MVP has revenge on his mind after losing to Steph Curry not only in the MVP race last year but the NBA Finals as well. Don’t count out The King. 26.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 6.4 APG
4.  Russell Westbrook: With Kevin Durant missing some time Russell Westbrook has been the catalyst for a Thunder team that sits third in the Western Conference at 14-8. Last season Westbrook was on a triple double watch nearly every night and this season is no different. Right now not many teams look like they can challenge the Warriors but the Thunder might have the firepower.  26.2 PPG, 9.9 APG, 7.3 RPG.

Who Are The Other Guys? Those players above are likely your MVP candidates going forward, minus Drummond most likely, but there are also some guys who could make some noise as the season really starts to heat up.

1.  Andre Drummond: You might be asking yourself, who is Andre Drummond? Well if you haven’t seen the Detroit Pistons center player, you should. The term “walking double double” is often thrown around for centers but rarely does it actually happen. Through 24 games he has a double double in 21 of those games. If the Pistons are going to make a run in the East, it’s going to fall on the 22-year olds shoulders. 18.0 PPG, 16.7 RPG
2. Kevin Durant: The former MVP is usually at the top of the MVP race but missing some time this season has put him down here. He’s still putting up KD-like numbers but his teammate is leading the charge. 27.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.2 APG
3. Rajon Rondo: Now when you’re team most likely isn’t going to make the playoffs you aren’t going to get any recognition among the voters, but Rondo is making as strong of a case as someone can whose team is 9-15. The Kings probably won’t make the playoffs like I said, but watching the Rondo that we all know and once thought of as the best point guard in the league sure is fun. 12.6 PPG, 11.0 APG, 6.9 RPG

      Stephen Springer, Follow him on Twitter @Stephen_Springs