As we approach the All-Star break, several players have separated themselves from the competition. We looked at the early MVP candidates, and here we will re-examine that list and discuss the top 5 NBA MVP candidates through the 2014 calendar year. These are household names, with a few rising stars in the NBA ascending this list as well.
The Candidates
5. Kyle Lowry - Toronto Raptors
In a league full of elite point guards, it always seems like Lowry does not get his fair share of credit. Of course, to a player like Lowry, winning is the only thing that matters. With Lowry, winning is all the Raptors have done. Lowry is the engine behind the Raptors, who have outperformed expectations and appear to be one of the top teams in the East. With DeMar DeRozan injured, Lowry has had to pick up his production, and he has done just that. He is the most valuable player on the Toronto Raptors, and is in the running for league MVP.
4. Marc Gasol - Memphis Grizzlies
Another underrated player, Marc Gasol has quietly anchored one of the best teams in the NBA all season. Though the Grizzlies have struggled without Zach Randolph, Gasol has shown his versatility, toughness, and skill over the last few weeks. He is simply the best center in the NBA, and continues to prove that every game. He is the focal point of the offense that needs everything he can provide, and he does so despite being the focal point of every defensive scheme as well. His PER of 23 leads the Grizzlies, and he is averaging almost 20 ppg on 50% shooting.
3. Anthony Davis - New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis’ MVP candidacy has taken a slight hit thanks to an injury and the fact that the Pelicans haven’t been very good, but he still is the most important and most impressive player on his team. He regularly redefines what it means to be great in the NBA, putting up stat lines that are simply unheard of. He has a PER of a ridiculous 31, and routinely puts up statistics that show he may be the king of the NBA in a very short amount of time. You cannot stop Anthony Davis, you can only hope he has an off night; a hope that will often leave you wondering what happened when he puts up 30 and 15. He would be higher on this list if it weren’t for how great the next two guys are playing.
2. Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry is having a down season in terms of his three-point shooting. He is still very likely in the top 3 in most NBA MVP ballots, and has become an elite point guard. His ball handling skills are on display almost every night, and he has taken it to some of the best point guards in the league, like Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Damian Lillard. Along with Klay Thompson, he has been a vital cog in the best backcourt in the NBA. Curry has the unique ability to put together a string of plays that changes the course of the game, and he does so seemingly every game. If Curry can improve his shooting numbers, he may have the strongest case for NBA MVP.
1. James Harden - Houston Rockets
Out of all the people on this list, no one has been more important to their team than James Harden. The Rockets have dealt with a bevy of injuries and have rotated many different players in and out of the starting lineup, but the constant has been Harden. He has the fifth highest usage rate, but still has the second most estimated wins added, trailing only Anthony Davis. His defense has improved this season, and he still leads the league in scoring with 26.8 ppg. Without Harden, this team’s offense would crumble. He can kick-start his own game and his teammates by getting to the free throw line and creating opportunities for other players. James Harden is the top candidate for MVP so far, and if his game continues at this level, it would be difficult to give the award to anyone else.