There are just a couple months remaining in the regular season, with fewer than 30 games left for each team, so at this point it's pretty easy to see which players have had the greatest impact this season, but how can you tell which has been the most valuable? I have taken into account each statistical category, as well as positional averages and team winning percentage to determine the 10 top players of the season so far. Here are my current MVP rankings:
1. Stephen Curry - GSW - 29.8 P, 5.3 R, 6.5 A, 2.1 S, .508 FG, .456 3P, .912 FT
Last season Curry was given the MVP award after posting numbers similar to what he had achieved in each of the previous 2 seasons while playing nearly 5 minutes fewer per game, which means he got more efficient while leading Golden State to the league's best record and eventually a championship. This season, he is averaging career highs in scoring, rebounding, steals, field goal percentage, and 3-point percentage, and the Warriors are on a record pace. It would be hard for him to lose the MVP award at this point.
2. LeBron James - CLE - 25.0 P, 7.2 R, 6.6 A, 1.3 S, .505 FG, .719 FT
You can't have an MVP discussion without including LeBron, one of the greatest players in history, who still happens to be in his prime. His scoring average is the lowest it has been since his rookie season, but he still has Cleveland in first place in the East, and it is looking like he could make his 6th straight appearance in the NBA Finals.
3. Russell Westbrook - OKC - 24.1 P, 7.5 R, 10.1 A, 2.3 S, .460 FG, .823 FT
Westbrook's scoring has dipped a little this season with Kevin Durant back at full health, but he is currently setting career highs in rebounds, assists, and steals, along with shooting percentage, and he has the Thunder in 3rd place in the West, with a record that would normally be in contention for a #1 seed in a normal season. Add in that he is #2 in the league in assists, despite being known as a shoot-first point guard, and he is having a very special season worthy of recognition.
4. James Harden - HOU - 28.0 P, 6.4 R, 7.0 A, 1.6 S, .426 FG, .350 3P, .867 FT
The Rockets have been struggling this season, so a lot of people have overlooked Harden, who probably should have won the award last year, but he is also averaging career highs in scoring, rebounds, and assists this season, although his shooting percentage has dropped to the lowest it has been since his rookie year. If the Rockets can put together a second half run, he could get into contention.
5. Kevin Durant - OKC - 27.8 P, 7.9 R, 4.5 A, 1.0 S, 1.2 B, .508 FG, .389 3P, .896 FT
Durant joined the exclusive 50/40/90 club 3 years ago, and he is right on the edge of doing it again. Stephen Curry is currently looking like a lock to join the club this year, but very few have done it more than once, with only Larry Bird and Steve Nash doing it multiple times so far.
6. Draymond Green - GSW - 14.2 P, 9.6 R, 7.3 A, 1.3 S, 1.3 B, .488 FG, .427 3P, .679 FT
Green has one of the lowest scoring averages ever for a player receiving MVP attention, but when you look at his all-around numbers, you can see that it is merited. His only weakness is at the free throw line, where he is below average, but not a liability. He is the league leader in triple doubles, with 10 of the 40 recorded this season, ahead of Russell Westbrook, who is second with 8.
7. Kyle Lowry - TOR - 21.1 P, 4.9 R, 6.3 A, 2.2 S, .427 FG, .390 3P, .857 FT
Lowry often gets overlooked because he plays north of the border, but he is a very good player who is averaging more than 20 points per game for the first time in his career. Not only is he scoring a lot of points, he is grabbing nearly 5 boards a game, pretty impressive for a 6-0 point guard, and the Raptors are #2 in the East.
8. DeMar DeRozan - TOR - 23.4 P, 4.3 R, 4.1 A, 1.0 S, .444 FG, .337 3P, .837 FT
DeRozan is the leading scorer for Toronto, but other than points and shooting percentage, he is being outplayed by Lowry in every way, especially considering the fact that he is 7 inches taller. His scoring average is also a career high, and the two guards are giving a lot of hope to Raptor fans.
9. Kawhi Leonard - SAS - 20.2 P, 6.7 R, 2.5 A, 1.8 S, .510 FG, .482 3P, .875 FT
If not for the Warriors' success, people would be talking about this year's Spurs team as one of the all-time great teams, but they are flying under the radar while on pace for 68 wins. Leonard keeps getting better each season, and is leading the league in three-point percentage, hitting nearly half of his attempts this season, and the Spurs have the best chance at knocking off Golden State this season.
10. Klay Thompson - GSW - 21.3 P, 3.7 R, 2.2 A, .470 FG, .420 3P, .845 FT
The other Splash Brother is a star in his own right, scoring over 20 points per game and beating his teammate in the All-Star Weekend 3-point contest, but his all-around game just doesn't match up with most of the other on this list. Even with that said, you can't ignore his contributions to a great team with a real chance at a repeat championship.
Honorable Mention: Kevin Love, Paul George, Isaiah Thomas, Kemba Walker
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