Unbalanced logo

2018-19 NBA MVP Predictions

Of all the great talent in the NBA, who will come home with the MVP trophy?

By Shandon PendletonPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
Like

There's always a lot of controversy about who should bring home the MVP trophy. Last year for example, James Harden had an exceptionable season and was awarded but people argued that LeBron James had played his best season of his career. Russell Westbrook also had another triple-double averaging season, Anthony Davis was a runner-up along with runner-up for DPOY, and the two Warriors Kevin Durant and Steph Curry played exceptionably well. Question is, who will win it this year? These are the top 5 candidates to win the MVP.

Honorable Mention

James Harden and Russell Westbrook are my honorable mentions. Russ averaged a triple double for the second season in a row but the Thunder failed to advance past the first round. Stats wise, Russ was better than them all, BUT stat-padding and inability to lead his team and play efficiently kept Russ from winning the MVP. The year before, he dazzled the league with his triple doubles and took home the trophy, but this next year, people began to actually realize his style of play and recognized the inefficiency he produced.

James Harden played incredibly. Despite Harden's play however, he did not deserve the MVP. MVP means Most Valuable Player. Harden wasn't even the most valuable on his team (Chris Paul). I can think of many players that were more valuable to their team than Harden. That's not me saying James Harden isn't good... he's an incredible player BUT he was not the most valuable player in the league. Either way, he still deserves an honorable mention.

Other honorable mentions: Kawhi Leonard, DeMar DeRozan, Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard

5. Joel Embiid

The Process was absolutely phenomenal last year. Ben Simmons and he turned the one of the worst teams in the league to one of the top in the East in just a matter of two seasons. Averaging almost 23 PPG and over 11 RPG, Embiid did a number on the big men that had to face him. He was All-NBA second team and 2nd defensive team and the ONLY reasons for that was because Anthony Davis and the DPOY Rudy Gobert ahead of him.

Embiid can shoot the ball extremely well, even from the 3. He is deadly on the offensive and defensive end. Ebiid will do fantastic for the Sixers this year and will no doubt be in the conversation for MVP.

4. Kevin Durant

All-NBA First Team and Finals MVP? KD is for sure in the discussion for MVP. I don't have much too say about KD. He's already proven he's one of the best, if not the best, scorer in the league and his defense is better than ever. KD made a commitment to make an All-Defensive team and last year, he proved that he was on his way to achieving it by averaging almost 2 blocks per game. I don't think he'll win it, but he will definitely be in the conversation. A more likely possibility is KD winning Finals MVP for the third year in a row, as the Warriors are the favorites to win the title.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Greek Freak was an absolute beast last year. Averaging almost 27 PPG and 10 RPG, Giannis boosted the Bucks to a contending Eastern Conference team. He improves greatly year after year and I expect no less this upcoming season. The Bucks are gonna be a great team, fighting hard in the East. If Giannis can develop a better jump shot, then that will give him an incredible advantage with his added length. His height and length give him huge boost when he gets near the rim. It's almost impossible for rim protectors to keep his shots away. Expect him to be in the running this year.

2. LeBron James

Let's be honest. LeBron has deserved the MVP trophy every year since he first won it. But the league's not gonna give it to him... LeBron deserves to be a 10x MVP BUT the league needs to make it interesting and awards other players, so LeBron is stuck at 4. Either way, people will always argue that LeBron deserves it. And they are not wrong, he does. Last season was arguably his best in 15 years. And he only gets better.

This Lakers team will really show LeBron's skill too. They are full of young and raw talent and LeBron can really prove if he is the greatest player in the world if he can transform these young kids into stars. He won't win the MVP, but every milestone he achieves raises his argument about who is better. Him or Jordan.

1. Anthony Davis

If AD can stay healthy, he is my pick for the 2018-19 season MVP. I've already made a great argument in previous articles so I won't say much more. But last year, he was one of the runner-ups for MVP, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team and runner-up for DPOY. The man can do it all and next year, he will be even better. Anthony Davis for MVP.

basketball
Like

About the Creator

Shandon Pendleton

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.