Portland Trail Blazers: Ranking Damian Lillard’s MVP chances

Stephen Curry – MVP Case – Fringe

Stephen Curry is the only current guard in the NBA on Damian Lillard‘s level. Curry is the best shooter in NBA History, and his wild efficiency always means he has the slight edge on Dame when it comes to individual stats.

But, with Draymond Green a year older, and Klay Thompson returning after two whole years away from the game, the Golden State Warriors team record remains an unknown.

There is no doubt that this Warriors trio is some of the greatest to ever lace them up, but all over the age of thirty with an uncertain supporting cast, it’s hard to tell what we will see from them this year. Curry will likely average 27 points per game on great efficiency. If the Warriors surpass 45 wins, then Curry is in the mix.

Damian Lillard – MVP Case – Fringe

There is no question that Damian Lillard has played at an MVP level the last two years.

With 30 and then 28 points per game, on over 39 percent from three, Dame is at a level that very few guards in the NBA can attain. The big question for him and his team is the health of his teammates, and the direct correlation to the team record.

This 2022 Blazers team is the best one at least since 2019, and maybe even better than 2019 where they won 51 games. If the Blazers won fifty-plus games, and Dame is around 28 points per game on similar efficiency to the last few seasons, then he will be in the running.

He is a fringe candidate due to the uncertainty around the Blazers being able to sit with the league’s elite in terms of wins. Dame’s clutch shot-making also always gives him extra points in the MVP race.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – MVP Case – Strong

Though he is only 26, Giannis Antetokounmpo already has two regular season MVP’s, and one Final’s MVP. Already one of the greatest players to ever play the game, he has a chance this season to put himself in elite company by winning his third MVP.

There is no doubt that his Milwaukee Bucks team will be one of the best in the league again. Giannis production is at a very consistent level, and with their elite defense and two stars alongside Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, it’s likely to at least be another 55 win season.

The two-way play and near 30-point production of Giannis is undeniable when you assess the MVP race.

Luka Doncic – Strong

Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the league on a team that has no proper second star. His efficiency, his out-of-this-world playmaking, and an approximate 28 points per game average give him the title of the nest young player in the NBA.

When you combine that with 44 wins in a shortened season, and around 50 in a normal season, Luka is firmly in the top seven candidates. If his role players and Kristaps Porzingis can play to a high level this season, he could win his first MVP in 2022.