Last NBA season, we saw an unexpected MVP winner.
Nikola Jokic was not looked at as a legit candidate to win MVP last season.
However, he did just that.
It was unprecedented to say the least, but still well-deserved.
Can we see a similar situation this upcoming season?
The NBA’s MVP tends to be someone that is favored early on.
The media latches on to a few candidates, and their storylines, before the season even begins.
Unless something happens drastically to that player, we see the same names, in the beginning, make it to the end.
There is still a chance that someone from the outside looking in finds a way into the race.
Here are the top two surprised candidates for MVP this season.
2. James Harden
James Harden is a former MVP winner and has finished in the top three four other times.
He has been a statistical machine over his career.
From 2000 to now, the Leaders in 40 point games
1. Kobe Bryant – 122
2. James Harden – 101
3. Allen Iverson – 69
4. LeBron James – 66
5. Kevin Durant – 58
6. Russell Westbrook – 50
7. Stephen Curry – 49
8. Tracy McGrady – 45
9. Damian Lillard – 39
10. Anthony Davis – 36— DEEP3 (@DomFlournoyNBA) September 13, 2021
The man can put up 50 point triple-doubles with ease.
He should be looked at as an obvious MVP candidate.
However, the situation has changed.
He is on a team where Kevin Durant is the best player on the squad and will demand MVP consideration.
He is also 32 years old.
The way for him to win MVP is for Durant to take some time off, which might be the best option for the Brooklyn Nets.
Harden might be getting older, but he has usually been a workhorse in the NBA.
His numbers might dip a little, but will still be at the top of the league in multiple categories.
The MVP award should go to the best player each year.
Harden tends to put up numbers that put him into that conversation.
1. Anthony Davis
The biggest problem with Anthony Davis and his career has nothing to do with talent.
It is all about his health.
Healthy Anthony Davis was different. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eLD9WMjprz
— Ryan Rueda (@iDude14) September 16, 2021
Last season was the latest example.
Davis was looked at as a candidate for the MVP award last season.
However, injuries sidelined him for a big portion of the season.
That derailed any chance of him winning the award.
The NBA media have been waiting for him to put it all together for one unbelievable season.
It has still not happened despite the immense talent he possesses.
This season might be his best chance if he remains healthy.
On paper, this is the best team he has played on.
He should be able to rely on others when need be.
The thing is that Davis can be the one who gets all the glory with Russell Westbrook and LeBron James getting up there in age.
Rest is a really big key for the Lakers this season and their quest for a title.
Davis might need some on a couple of nights, but this should be the year he puts it all together and chases the MVP.
Last season was supposed to be the year he took that next step to the MVP award.
However, this might be the year he finally puts it all together.
NEXT: Carmelo Anthony Can Cement All-Time Legacy With Lakers