By Dionysis Aravantinos/ info@eurohoops.net
As always LeBron James; a household name, is having a phenomenal season, as his team is winning, is an efficient scorer, while he is also handing out assists and grabbing rebounds.
James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have also had great years, to go along with their team’s winning, as well as the two Europeans who have shined throughout this two month period are Kristaps Porzingis and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Eurohoops presents you, the top five (+two) MVP candidates so far, this year, with two of them being from Europe.
6 (5+1). Kristaps Porzingis / New York Knicks
– Stats: 24.7. points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 blocks
– Team Record: 17-15
– Position: F
– Age: 22
Kristaps Porzingis is having an excellent year for the re-building and over five hundred New York Knicks. The 22-year old star is averaging 24.7 points on 45.3% shooting, 6.7 rebounds and an impressive 2.0 blocks to lead the league. He is playing 31.7 minutes a night and leading this unit to wins. At Madison, Square Garden the Knicks are 15-5 and have played a lot better than playing on the road (2-10). At just 22 years of age, Porzingis has become the leader of a historic franchise and has succeeded expectations both individually and on a team, level these first two months. The team is competing and challenging for a playoff spot, and he is one reason as to why the team has been good this year.
Great defensively and offensively, he has become a significant two-way player for coach Hornacek. The ‘Unicorn’ has had some unbelievable games this season, where he has made history. Against the Los Angeles Lakers, he was on another level, as he finished with 37 points, 11 boards and five blocks in a 113-109 overtime win. Besides, he became the only player in NBA history with 35 points, ten rebounds, five blocks and five made 3-pointers in a game. Finally, he was also named Eastern Conference player of the Week.
6. (5+1) Kevin Durant / Golden State Warriors
– Stats: 26.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists
– Team Record: 26-7
– Position: F
– Age: 29
Tied with Kristaps Porzingis in our list is ‘KD’. Kevin Durant is having an excellent season as his team is winning, has the second-best record in the Western Conference, despite having some injuries throughout these first 33 games. With Steph Curry being out, he led his team to a 11-game winning streak. The 29-year old is averaging 26.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, while shooting an efficient 50% from the field. Moreover the 2017 Finals MVP has had some incredible games this season. On December 6th, he scored 35 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out 10 assists.
In a team that’s winning, a player of Kevin Durant’s caliber, posting up these kinds of numbers and leading his team on and off the court, despite it’s missing players is something we took into consideration while thinking as to why he belongs in this list.
5. DeMarcus Cousins / New Orleans Pelicans
– Stats: 25.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists
– Team Record: 17-16
– Position: C
– Age: 27
DeMarcus Cousins has been impressive for a good 17-16 over five hundred New Orleans Pelicans team. The 27-year old is putting up MVP types of numbers as he is averaging 25.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, 5.2 (!) assists, while shooting an efficient 46.0% from the field. In a 17-16 record Pelicans team, he has become a leader, on and off the court, next to Anthony Davis who had been sidelined due to injury. From a center position, DeMarcus is managing to hand out 5.2 assists per game as he is facilitating down low.
The 2.11m (6’11’’) ‘big man’ has also improved on the defensive side of the court, as he is blocking 1.5 shots per game. His team has been on track so far, this year but could be better, with Anthony Davis next to DeMarcus Cousins. After 33 games, New Orleans team has been on the playoff picture but can improve, especially on the second unit. Finally, DeMarcus has had some incredible stat-lines. Against the Denver Nuggets, he managed to put up 40 points and 22 rebounds, while at Sacramento he put up 41 points and 23 rebounds. He has had 24 double-doubles (second in the NBA) and one triple-double this season.