The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award is the most reputable accolade given to an individual who showed greatness in every sporting event. In the NBA, the race for the MVP recognition is always anticipated. It is why the players do their best not only during the mock draft but to the preseason games, including the First-Rounds.
Now that the 2024 NBA regular season is back last August and the First -Round has wrapped-up, few names have appeared as possible MVP awardees. These players have shown impressive skills more than what they did last season. It is why they continue to work harder in the semis until they reach the NBA finals.
Hence, along with your effort to make the best Fanduel NBA picks and parlays to wager in the remaining NBA games, let’s not forget the court’s best talents. With a few more months before the NBA Finals will settle, let’s know the top seven most famous basketball players who might clinch the NBA MVP Award this year.
For the latest NBA basketball ranking and to discover the best contenders for the MVP award, click here.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The reigning 2019 NBA MVP has never faded in today’s NBA season as he’s still the favorite player to win the title once again. Giannis Antetokounmpo was only at Pick No. during Round 1 in the 2013 NBA draft. In the said year, he was contracted by the Milwaukee Bucks, working as a power forward until today.
Won as the 2024 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo’s stats were crazy, although he has only played 30.9 minutes per game. He averages 16 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 34.5 points. Aside from that, he has 55% playing efficiency and made a career-high appearing in the free-throw lines ten times per game. If he continues to boost his numbers in today’s semifinals, the MVP Award will surely not lure him.
2. LeBron James
If the NBA season had gone regularly straight this year without postponing, LeBron James would more likely take the top spot. Upon joining the L.A. Lakers in 2018, James has undoubtedly contributed to the success of making it to the finals. Last year, they successfully dominated the Conference Finals, dispatching the Clippers and the Bucks.
At 35, James had received multiple recognitions in the NBA stage. He was a three-time NBA Champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and a four-time NBA MVP. He is the only player in the current league that is precise in the assist department. Besides, he ranked third as the most eligible defensive players in the court.
3. Luca Doncic
Luca Doncic will play in the NBA season in his second year upon joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. As a sophomore, Doncic has immensely dominated the NBA world, surprisingly nailing a 29-9-9 average record. With this, he is now one of the dangerous players to notice in the NBA and is a sure candidate for the MVP award.
Landed last season as the 20th rank in the offensive rating, the Mavs are now leading the pack after Doncic joined the group. Switching as the main guard for the Mavs, he has turned the tables of controlling the overall team’s offense. There is no doubt that Doncic will take the MVP award if he continues to soar high.
4. Kawhi Leonard
The Clippers have successfully secured their passport to the Conference Semifinals with Kawhi Leonard’s excellent defense skills. He dishes out five assists per game, which was a career-high for him. Aside from that, his A+ defense skills rating resulted after making around 27 points per game.
Looking into his career achievements, Leonard was also a multi-awarded NBA Player. His prominent recognitions include a two-time NBA Champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Now that Leonard is playing for the Clippers for the second time around, he’s a sure contender for the MVP award.
5. James Harden
In his eight straight years of playing for the Houston Rockets, James Harden is another contender for today’s MVP Award. He stirred well during the start of the season, providing 40-points per game. When it comes to the shooting department, Harden was at 43.5% while 35.2% in the three-point line.
Harden is also one of the NBA players that can offer incredible assist and scoring contributions. Looking into his achievements, Harden was the 2018 NBA MVP, an NBA Sixth Man of the Year, and an NBA Assist Leader.
6. Damian Lillard
If you are to name one of the NBA’s most popular Point Guard who can be a possible MVP Awardee, Damian Lillard is the name to mention. He joined the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012, and this player continues to soar high every year. Although the Blazers had suffered many injuries last year, Lillard should not be disregarded for the said award.
Looking into his professional basketball records, Lillard has averaged 7.8 assists and 28.9 average points per game. Every year he continues to deliver for the team and will surely topnotch his records in today’s NBA season.
7. Nikola Jokic
The Denver Nuggets have locked in a third seed in the Western Conference after Nikola Jokic showed impressive plays. Last year, he placed fourth in the MVP voting, and if he makes miracles this year, he can be the next guy to earn the MVP award without a doubt edging all other players mentioned above.
Playing as the center for the Nuggets since 2012, Jokic is undeniably a dangerous player to consider. He is a solid defender and an excellent scorer. Looking into his career achievements, Jokic accomplished a 2019 All-NBA First Team achievement and an NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Takeaway
The race to the 2024 NBA MVP Award has just heated up, especially that we are heading to the Conference Semifinals. Although the NBA season has faced significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will not stop all the players from giving their best inside the court. Hence, if the five NBA stars will continue to perform better than they are today, there is no doubt that one of them deserves the 2024 NBA MVP recognition.
