Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has started the season with a bang. How has he elevated his game and who else is in MVP talks early in the season?
Damian Lillard has been an MVP candidate the last four years, with 25 points and 5 assists a night for four straight seasons he has established himself as one of the best scoring guards in the league. Through injuries and a mixed start team wise this season, Lillard has started this season hot. All his current counting stats are career highs and he is carrying this Portland Trail Blazers team at a whole new level through the first two weeks.
There are other players in similar veins of form through the first two weeks. Below is a far too early look at who the candidates are and how they’ve put themselves up in lights at the start of the season.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has played his first six games for the Los Angeles Lakers, and alongside LeBron James has established himself as a top five player in the league again. After a messy exit from the New Orleans Pelicans and the drama that always come with a team like the Lakers, Davis has quickly shifted the attention to his on court play. A virtuoso performance against the Memphis Grizzlies last week had scribes everywhere reaching for superlatives.
Davis had 28 made free throws in this game, this is the most free throws recorded in a game since they were first counted in 1983. Davis has been the perfect combo with James, and has benefited from shooters like Danny Green and a resurgent Dwight Howard. With a 5-1 record and LeBron finding his feet, Davis can stay near the head of the field if he stays fit.
Damian Lillard
Our guy Lillard has already made many jaw-dropping shots and had fourth quarter runs that maybe we didn’t expect till the end of the season. Like other hall of fame guards before him, we have come to expect this of Lillard. That doesn’t mean we should think anything less of him though. Averaging a jaw dropping 29 points five rebounds and 7 assists, Lillard also leads the league in made threes with 22 in only six games.
The Trail Blazers 3-3 record reflects a tough opening schedule but doesn’t reflect poorly on Lillard at all. Close losses could have been wins with a buzzer beater rimming out against the Spurs and a 76ers miracle buzzer beater two nights ago breaking fans hearts. With the Trail Blazers’ lack of depth and a certain guard called Curry out for three months, this could be Lillard’s best chance to win MVP. 50 plus wins will be required for a start. Lets see how Portland can get through this injury crisis and how it impacts their win total.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak will be a yearly MVP candidate for the next five years at least. After taking a massive lea last year, he has been putting up mind numbing numbers again. The Bucks are four and two while Giannis Antetokounmpo has put up 26 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. Many have criticized the front office for letting Malcolm Brogdon walk in free agency, but Giannis may not have peaked yet. If he can take another step, like LeBron did when he was young, then this Bucks squad are championship contenders.
His 3-point shot is a topic of discussion in the league, but as evidenced by the two nil lead they had over the Raptors in the conference finals, Giannis game is just fine as it is. In a mixed bag of an eastern conference the Bucks will likely have 55 plus wins again, leaving Giannis fighting it out for another MVP award.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns seems to be taking a massive leap this year as the number one option. Already one of the best shooters in the league, he has improved his defense while showing the stretch abilities of a new age big. The Wolves being four and one has surprised the league, this coupled with Towns skirmish with Joel Embiid has put the league on alert.
Though both the franchise center’s got suspended for two games, Towns will still be in the drivers seat when he returns. The Wolves may not have the team wins to keep him in the race, but while they sit near the top of the conference he is in the running. Any big that’s shooting 50% from three on 27 points and 11 rebounds will always be in the leagues elite.
Kawhi Leonard
Last years finals MVP has picked up where he left off with some amazing offensive performances to start the season. After his first healthy offseason in three years, Kawhi Leonard has embraced his role on the Clippers and potentially his place as the best player in the league. Without running mate Paul George who is out injured, Leonard has put the offense on his back. Still playing All-NBA defense, he is almost shooting 50, 40, 90 without breaking a sweat. The Clippers have started five and two, just one win behind Staples Center buddies the Lakers. Though its early days, expect Leonard to be in the running for MVP when the season hits crunch time
LeBron James
Father time hasn’t come for LeBron James yet. Alongside Davis he has rediscovered some of his best form. Facilitating even more this season, he leads the league in assists while also putting up his usual 26 points a night with eight rebounds. His shot has been a little hit and miss but having only lost on opening night the Lakers are already at the front of the field while he acclimatizes to his new teammates. LeBron has been in the top five players in the league for over ten years now and knows exactly when he needs to peak for key parts of the year. He doesn’t need to be his best now but will still be in the MVP conversation while his personal and team play is at this high level.
Players can come and go from the MVP conversation over such a long season. Lillard may not be able to keep his numbers at the impressive level they are now but he will keep himself in the running with his consistency and the Trail Blazers’ likely strong record.