NBA

Top 15 NBA MVP Candidates of 2014-15 — Preseason Edition

Fresh Videos

By @The_Only_Grubes

Top 15 NBA MVP Candidates of 2014-15 -- Preseason Edition

Kevin Durant
Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

With the NBA season just around the corner, it is time to look at the top candidates for the KIA NBA Player of the Year Award. In this breakdown, players will be arranged from least likely to most likely to win the award based on a number of regular and advanced statistics from last year, including PER, RPM and PIE, along with projections of the respective team and its players.

Honorable Mention: San Antonio Spurs' Big 3

San Antonio Spurs
Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images

Honorable Mention: San Antonio Spurs' Big 3

San Antonio Spurs
Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images

The San Antonio Spurs have been an organization that, as a whole, has kept winning and succeeding at an incredible rate. Led by head coach Gregg Popovich, the trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli is one tough core to beat, and all three players could be argued as being some of the most valuable players in the league. Unfortunately, they do not play as many minutes anymore and the team is loaded with depth and talent, so no MVP bids.

Honorable Mention: Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant
Noah Graham/Getty Images

Honorable Mention: Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant
Noah Graham/Getty Images

It has been a while since Bryant has played a meaningful game in the NBA, so there is no way he will not be ready to play this season and prove the doubters wrong. While the questions surrounding Bryant are real regarding how much he can still do at a high level, the team around him just is not very good, and team success is a big part of the MVP award. Sorry, Kobe, but unless the Los Angeles Lakers are in the playoffs, you will not get the nod.

Honorable Mention: James Harden

James Harden
Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Honorable Mention: James Harden

James Harden
Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Harden has truly become an offensive machine in this league. The number of times he attempts FTs per game (9.1) combined with his deadly stroke from outside (36.6 percent from the three-point line and 45.6 from the field overall) and his ability to get into the lane and create for himself and his teammates should make him a candidate on offense alone. However, his poor defense along with his team's loss projection should keep him off the list.

15. Al Jefferson: 21.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 50.9% FG, 22.7 PER, 2.14 RPM, 17.0% PIE

Al Jefferson
Grant Halverson/Getty Images

15. Al Jefferson: 21.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 50.9% FG, 22.7 PER, 2.14 RPM, 17.0% PIE

Al Jefferson
Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Jefferson had a career year last year, leading the Charlotte Bobcats out of mediocrity into the playoffs and another season with expectations that have never been higher. Jefferson is still in his prime, and while his impact rating should stay the same this season with him being the focal point of the offense, his plus-minus rating is low, meaning he just is not the two-way player who deserves the MVP award.

14. Carmelo Anthony: 27.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 45.2% FG, 21.2 PER, 2.75 RPM, 16.2% PIE

Carmelo Anthony
Melissa Majchrzak/Getty Images

14. Carmelo Anthony: 27.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 45.2% FG, 21.2 PER, 2.75 RPM, 16.2% PIE

Carmelo Anthony
Melissa Majchrzak/Getty Images

Anthony has proven time and time again just how special of an offensive talent he is. Anthony can break down the defense from anywhere on the floor, and he is relatively efficient for how much he is asked to do on offense for the New York Knicks. His rebounding numbers are even some of the best at his position. Unfortunately, just like Jefferson, Anthony is questionable on defense, and that along with team losses will hold him back.

13. Joakim Noah: 12.6 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 20.0 PER, 4.57 RPM, 15.6% PIE

Joakim Noah
Ray Amati/Getty Images

13. Joakim Noah: 12.6 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 20.0 PER, 4.57 RPM, 15.6% PIE

Joakim Noah
Ray Amati/Getty Images

With the absence of point guard Derrick Rose last season, Noah was asked to do a lot, and he did it at a very efficient rate on both ends of the floor. Noah is one of the most versatile big men in the game, but this season he will have a lot more help on both ends, especially offense, with Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic all looking to have an impact, not to mention the return of Rose. The additions should limit his numbers overall.

12. Russell Westbrook: 21.8 PPG, 6.9 APG, 43.7% FG, 24.7 PER, 5.05 RPM, 16.1% PIE

Russell Westbrook
Bart Young/Getty Images

12. Russell Westbrook: 21.8 PPG, 6.9 APG, 43.7% FG, 24.7 PER, 5.05 RPM, 16.1% PIE

Russell Westbrook
Bart Young/Getty Images

Westbrook is the kind of player that gives it his all on both ends of the floor because he wants to win at all costs. The talent is there, and most of the numbers check out, so why isn't he higher? Well, Westbrook shares the floor with another MVP candidate in Kevin Durant, and that combined with his lack of proper shot selection and decision making should keep him off the MVP ballot for now. Key words here are for now.

11. Kevin Love: 26.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, 37.6% 3P, 26.9 PER, 5.06 RPM, 19.1% PIE

Kevin Love
David Liam Kyle/Getty Images

11. Kevin Love: 26.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, 37.6% 3P, 26.9 PER, 5.06 RPM, 19.1% PIE

Kevin Love
David Liam Kyle/Getty Images

Love has put up numbers like very few have during his time in the NBA. Last season, Love had one of the best seasons a power forward has ever had, which is why he was so sought after by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Love will still have a great impact for Cleveland, but he has to share the court with James and point guard Kyrie Irving, which should bring his offensive numbers down quite a bit, bringing him out of MVP contention.

10. Derrick Rose (2011-12 Stats): 21.8 PPG, 7.9 APG, 43.5% FG, 23.0 PER, 15.2% PIE

Derrick Rose
Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

10. Derrick Rose (2011-12 Stats): 21.8 PPG, 7.9 APG, 43.5% FG, 23.0 PER, 15.2% PIE

Derrick Rose
Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

Rose has not played a full season since back in 2011-12, but when he was healthy, Rose was hard to deal with. His speed and quickness were matched by very few players, and his ability to create his own shot and get others involved separated him from a lot of other point guards. Rose's setback will be his health and getting into the swing of things. If healthy, he would be higher. There are just too many question marks right now to move him up.

9. Goran Dragic: 20.3 PPG, 5.9 APG, 50.5% FG, 21.4 PER, 3.43 RPM, 13.4% PIE

Goran Dragic
Barry Gossage/Getty Images

9. Goran Dragic: 20.3 PPG, 5.9 APG, 50.5% FG, 21.4 PER, 3.43 RPM, 13.4% PIE

Goran Dragic
Barry Gossage/Getty Images

Dragic was one of the most improved players last season by far. Dragic displayed true scoring and playmaking instincts that few in the NBA possess on a nightly basis. He truly did it all for the Phoenix Suns last year, and was the biggest reason why the team was more competitive than their preseason ranking said. Dragic lacks the prowess on defense right now, but if he improves in that area this season, he will shoot up these rankings.

8. Chris Paul: 19.1 PPG, 10.7 APG, 2.5 STL, 25.9 PER, 7.98 RPM, 17.9% PIE

Chris Paul
Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

8. Chris Paul: 19.1 PPG, 10.7 APG, 2.5 STL, 25.9 PER, 7.98 RPM, 17.9% PIE

Chris Paul
Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

Paul is the best point guard in the NBA, and it isn't even close. His playmaking ability is second to none, and his efficiency on both ends of the floor along with his competitive spirit is too much for other teams to handle most of the time. While Paul makes others around him better, he has a number of players and a coach who make him look pretty good too, including All-Star Blake Griffin; but if Paul outperforms Griffin, he will certainly rise.

7. Anthony Davis: 20.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.8 BLK, 26.5 PER, 1.43 RPM, 16.4% PIE

Anthony Davis
Layne Murdoch/Getty Images

7. Anthony Davis: 20.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.8 BLK, 26.5 PER, 1.43 RPM, 16.4% PIE

Anthony Davis
Layne Murdoch/Getty Images

Davis exploded onto the scene last season after an average rookie season. Davis became the No. 1 offensive option on his team, and a rebounding force on both ends of the floor. Not to mention, Davis improved his shot blocking tremendously as he became more adjusted to the pro game. If Davis wants to win the award, however, he must improve his team defense and overall awareness, as his plus-minus is awful for a candidate.

6. Dirk Nowitzki: 21.7 PPG, 49.7% FG, 39.8% 3P, 89.9% FT, 23.6 PER, 6.35 RPM, 16.1% PIE

Dirk Nowitzki
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

6. Dirk Nowitzki: 21.7 PPG, 49.7% FG, 39.8% 3P, 89.9% FT, 23.6 PER, 6.35 RPM, 16.1% PIE

Dirk Nowitzki
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Nowitzki is 36 years old, and he is still one of the best players in the NBA. Nowitzki's 21.7 points per game are insane for a player of his age, and his impact rating should not be as high as it is at his age, not to mention his player efficiency rating. Nowitzki will always be able to shoot the ball at a high level, and if the Mavericks can improve in the Western Conference, Nowitzki will be right there in the MVP race yet again.

5. LaMarcus Aldridge: 23.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 45.8% FG, 21.8 PER, 5.12 RPM, 15.5% PIE

LaMarcus Aldridge
Chris Covatta/Getty Images

5. LaMarcus Aldridge: 23.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 45.8% FG, 21.8 PER, 5.12 RPM, 15.5% PIE

LaMarcus Aldridge
Chris Covatta/Getty Images

Aldridge improved by leaps and bounds last season, and proved he can no longer be ignored in terms of being an MVP candidate in the NBA. Aldridge led the Portland Trailblazers in a number of categories, and stayed consistent all season long, including the playoffs. However, if Aldridge wants to win the award, he must take better shots and shoot a better percentage, not to mention he has to keep making strides on defense.

4. Stephen Curry: 24.0 PPG, 8.5 APG, 42.4% 3P, 24.1 PER, 6.24 RPM, 16.4% PIE

Stephen Curry
Noah Graham/Getty Images

4. Stephen Curry: 24.0 PPG, 8.5 APG, 42.4% 3P, 24.1 PER, 6.24 RPM, 16.4% PIE

Stephen Curry
Noah Graham/Getty Images

Curry has established himself as one of the best point guards in the NBA. Oh, and he may be the best shooter this game has ever seen too, not like that matters or anything. Curry shot 42.4 percent from three last season, as he was unconscious from distance. Curry has also become a legit playmaker for his team, and he has improved on defense. If Curry can step up and get his team some more wins, he has a real shot at being MVP.

3. Blake Griffin: 24.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 23.9 PER, 4.65 RPM, 16.2% PIE

Blake Griffin
Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images

3. Blake Griffin: 24.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 23.9 PER, 4.65 RPM, 16.2% PIE

Blake Griffin
Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images

Griffin is the unquestioned No. 1 option on offense for the Los Angeles Clippers, no matter how many shots Chris Paul wants to take. Griffin improved every facet of his game last season, and is only going to get better the more range he gets on his jump shots and the better scorer and defender he becomes around the post. Griffin's physicality and athleticism are special. There is no reason why Griffin should not be in the race once again.

2. LeBron James: 27.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.3 APG, 29.3 PER, 9.08 RPM, 20.0% PIE

LeBron James
David Liam Kyle/Getty Images

2. LeBron James: 27.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.3 APG, 29.3 PER, 9.08 RPM, 20.0% PIE

LeBron James
David Liam Kyle/Getty Images

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. OK, not really, but you get the picture. James did not win the MVP award last season even though he still filled up the stat sheet like very few can. Was it voter fatigue? Maybe. Was it because the Miami Heat were not as dominant? Possibly. Either way, James will still be right in the conversation, even if his new star teammates in Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love hold him back just a tad.

1. Kevin Durant: 32.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.5 APG, 29.8 PER, 6.42 RPM, 20.6% PIE

Kevin Durant
Layne Murdoch/Getty Images

1. Kevin Durant: 32.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 5.5 APG, 29.8 PER, 6.42 RPM, 20.6% PIE

Kevin Durant
Layne Murdoch/Getty Images

There was no player in the NBA counted on by his team last season more than Durant. He did it all, and then some. He scored, rebounded and assisted on almost everything the Oklahoma City Thunder did, and that is an understatement. Durant will only get better as he enters his prime, and while he still is not the defensive specialist that James is, he certainly has time to right that ship, not to mention, his offensive skill is preposterous.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on