The Golden State Warriors landed the biggest off-season prize in Kevin Durant; making their team significantly better. But what impact will the addition have on the other Warriors star, Stephen Curry, when it comes to personal accolades? Curry is the two time reigning league MVP, and became the first player to win the award unanimously last year. He will likely start next season as the MVP favorite once again, but the arrival of Durant could put a damper on any hopes for a third consecutive trophy.
Durant, a former MVP himself, may have also taken himself out of the conservation by joining Curry and the Warriors. When two of the top 3 players in the world team up, they likely cancel each other out when it comes to MVP voting. With the Warriors duo likely being phased out of the equation, the door opens for a few potential first-time MVP’s.
Durant’s old running mate Russell Westbrook will be fueled by his departure and may just be the likeliest candidate to take home the trophy. Westbrook put up monster numbers alongside Durant, and without him, the ball will be in his hands at all times. He went on a triple-double tear last season and he will surely put up the type of numbers worthy of the trophy. The only question for Westbrook is if he is able to keep the Thunder competitive in the West.
If the Thunder hang around the middle of the playoff pack and Westbrook’s numbers see an increase from last season, he will likely finish the year as the newest MVP. But the middle to lower tier team status could really hurt his chances.
Another Western Conference star that could see a rise in the MVP rankings this year is Kawhi Leonard. While the Spurs have realistically been Leonard’s team for the past few seasons, Tim Duncan’s retirement this offseaon makes it completely official. Leonard is one of the best players on both sides of the floor and will get serious MVP consideration if his offensive numbers continue on their recent ascension for the Spurs. If San Antonio can keep pace with the Warriors, Leonard’s chances will remain very competitive.
Rounding out the top 3 potential MVP candidates for next season is 4 time MVP LeBron James. James and the Cavaliers figure to be at the top of the Eastern Conference once again. If the team can play a little more consistent next season, James will be right in the MVP conversation as always. After bringing home a title for Cleveland, the pressure is off and the Durant signing should provide all of the motivation needed to push for another deep run. James’ numbers are consistent across the board from year to year. If he can get the Cavaliers somewhere around the 60-win mark he will have a great shot at winning his 5th MVP award. Although it seems doubtful, even if the Cavs were too slip and not finish atop the East, James’ pedigree ensures that if he performs well, he will be in the conversation.
These three superstars seem most likely to take home the honors in 2017, but don’t count out the holders of the trophy of the past season just yet. Remember when Lebron teamed up with perennial All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh everyone said he would surely never win the MVP award again. Those critics were very wrong, James won the MVP 2 of the 4 years he was in Miami and came in second and third in voting the other two years. We’ll truly have to wait and see how this plays out.
