These 10 NBA players have shone above the rest this season, and deserve to be in every MVP conversation.
10. Paul Millsap - PF - Atlanta Hawks
Getty ImagesOver the last few seasons, the Atlanta Hawks have been doubted by the masses no matter how many games they win. Heading into the 2015-16 campaign, once again, the Hawks were an afterthought in the minds of many. Due to this trend, PF Paul Millsap will never get adequate respect nationally, but he's having an excellent season (averaging 18.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game) and has led the Hawks to an impressive 21-15 start. Like it or not, Millsap deserves to be in the conversation.
9. Kyle Lowry - PG - Toronto Raptors
Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Lowry rarely gets proper credit for his play, as the Toronto Raptors just aren't in the headlines very often. However, after many projected the Raptors to take a step backward this season, they've responded by playing at an incredibly high level, and are 21-15 to start the campaign. Lowry's been their catalyst, and kept the team afloat while DeMar DeRozan was struggling terrible early last month. He's averaging 20.7 points, 6.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, which is simply outstanding.
8. Jimmy Butler - SG - Chicago Bulls
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY SportsLet's face it: The Chicago Bulls are no longer Derrick Rose's team, as they now belong to Jimmy Butler. The Bulls are off to a fast start this season (21-12) despite moving on from head coach Tom Thibodeau over the offseason, and Butler's two-way prowess has much to do with their success. Butler's averaging 22.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, and has been playing shutdown defense against some of the NBA's elite twos and threes. He belongs in every MVP conversation.
7. Chris Paul - PG - Los Angeles Clippers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsThe Los Angeles Clippers lost Blake Griffin a few weeks ago, but have managed to continue playing at a high level thanks in part to Chris Paul's stellar showing. Paul's averaging 17.6 points, 9.2 assists and 3.5 points per game, which is a stat line that's helped drive the team to a 22-13 record despite being without Griffin for the past five games. Paul must be considered as an MVP candidate as we approach the second-week of January.
6. Kevin Durant - SF - Oklahoma City Thunder
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY SportsTo the surprise of absolutely no one, Kevin Durant is back to form after missing a chunk of the 2014-15 campaign due to a foot injury. Durant's averaging 26.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are coasting once again this season at 24-11. Durant has solid competition ahead of him in the rankings, but he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with the top five.
5. LeBron James - SF - Cleveland Cavaliers
David Richard-USA TODAY SportsThe Cleveland Cavaliers were without Kyrie Irving for the better part of two months to start the 2015-16 season, but LeBron James didn't allow Irving's absence get the best of his shorthanded crew. The Cavaliers are 23-9 and appear to be destined for a trip to the NBA Finals if they're able to stay healthy. James' 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game are paramount to Cleveland's success.
4. Draymond Green - PF - Golden State Warriors
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsDraymond Green's candidacy will always be somewhat diminished playing with Stephen Curry, but there's no way to keep him out of the MVP conversation. Green's averaging 14.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and a surprising 7.4 assists per game, and has been dropping triple-doubles like they are going out of style of late. Green's clearly blossomed into Golden State's second-most important player, and deserves endless praise for his performance this season.
3. Russell Westbrook - PG - Oklahoma City Thunder
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsRussell Westbrook is off to another unbelievable start this season, averaging 25.3 points, 9.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game. Whether it's warranted or not, playing the same position as Stephen Curry undoubtedly hurts Westbrook's candidacy. However, if he continues at the rate he's played thus far, he's going to give Curry a run for his money in the voting.
2. Kawhi Leonard - SF - San Antonio Spurs
Getty ImagesThe San Antonio Spurs play a fundamentally sound brand of basketball which isn't incredibly exciting, but that doesn't mean Kawhi Leonard deserves less credit for what he's done this season. Leonard is one of the NBA's premier defenders, and is averaging 20.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He's clearly become San Antonio's most important player as Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have assumed a lesser role in the Spurs' rotation. Leonard will be in the top five all season in all likelihood.
1. Stephen Curry - PG - Golden State Warriors
Brad Rempel USA TODAY SportsIt's hard to imagine Stephen Curry not repeating as the NBA's MVP if the Golden State Warriors continue on anywhere near the same track they have played on this season. Curry has been otherworldly, and it appears the only thing that can stop him is a devastating injury. If Curry is healthy, chances are he'll win the award once again.
