Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: Early Forecasts for NBA MVP, Why John Wall Has a Shot

By Alishah Pearine

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. /
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SAN ANTONIO,TX – MARCH 6: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs prepares to drive on James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets at AT&T Center on March 6, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX – MARCH 6: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs prepares to drive on James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets at AT&T Center on March 6, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

Why Harden won’t Win MVP

This, unfortunately, has to do with how well James Harden played last year. He put up a nightly 29 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds per game. Even with those terrifying numbers, including some insane 40-point and 50-point triple doubles, he only received 22 of the 1st place votes in last year’s MVP race.

This year, with the addition of Chris Paul, his usage rate will surely go down, as he will not be asked to do everything on the floor.

The Rockets’ record of 55 wins, in my opinion, won’t dramatically increase either, to the point where Harden would truly be considered for MVP. But the opportunity to take a break and have another point guard, like Paul, take the reins for a while will benefit Harden in the playoffs—where he has looked exhausted and defeated.

Why Durant won’t Win MVP

Out of all the candidates mentioned, Kevin Durant looks to be an early favorite for the MVP this year, as well. A reason why he won’t win, is the same reason as Curry’s – the pursuit of a title outweighs any individual accolade. Also, since the Warriors are  loaded with talent, unless Durant plays like he did in the NBA Finals last year, throughout the season, it will be tough to hand him the award.

Why Kawhi won’t Win MVP

Kawhi Leonard missed all of the preseason to nurse a quad injury. He will miss the season opener as well. You probably know where I’m going with this.

Injuries will be the biggest reason why Leonard doesn’t win MVP. He has yet to play a full season in the NBA. With Tony Parker out for a better part of a month, Leonard will need to be a more of a focal part for the offense.

He will need to become a much better facilitator, all while playing at an elite level on both sides of the ball. Leonard definitely has the talent and the drive to win MVP, but it’s a matter of how durable he will be through the grind of 82-games. However, if he’s able to stay healthy, then he will be an MVP candidate.

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