May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) hoists the 2014-2015 KIA NBA MVP trophy before game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
3. Stephen Curry
2014-15 Stats: 23.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.7 APG, 49% FG, 44% 3PT, 28.0 PER
Stephen Curry could not have had a better year then he did last season. Not only was he named the NBA MVP, but he led the Golden State Warriors to the NBA Title. He has now easily turned into the media darling of the NBA. Of course, the adorable antics of his daughter Riley factor in ever so slightly.
Cute children aside, the guy is a marvel to watch. In my opinion, he is by far the best off the dribble shooter that the NBA has ever seen. His ability to randomly dribble around like crazy, then knock down 3-point jump shots is insane. Hey, remember what he did to excellent defender Chris Paul? If not, just watch this…
That’s rough CP3, really rough. Now the question arises; can he repeat as the MVP. Let’s look at this from all angles. Part of the glamour that the Warriors had last season is now gone. People expected them to be good last season – but not nearly that good. They were the hot, new, and fresh team that scored in bunches and were a blast to watch.
Now with Steve Kerr on a leave of absence due to a back injury and Luke Walton taking the reins, there is some concern that they will not replicate their success. Throw in the fact that everyone thinks the champs will suffer from some kind championship hangover, and that opposing teams had a whole offseason to gameplay against their style. Last year, they were not invincible in the playoffs, the injury-riddled Cavs even pushed them close to the brink.
He will still be really fun to watch. I mean, he may be the most entertaining guy to watch in the entire NBA. Throw in the fact that he is now completely brimming with confidence and you will see some outrageous shot attempts from the Davidson Wildcat product.
He will absolutely be an MVP candidate and if the Warriors win another outrageous amount of games, he could elevate his chances. Since you know…I already spoke of how the MVP can sometimes turn into the best player on the best team award.
He is a guy who is easy to root for and he is armed with a multitude of talent around him. That sets him up pretty nice for a run at back-to-back MVP awards. Time will tell this season, but needless to say be prepared for some ridiculous shots and crossovers from Curry and probably some more Riley Curry press conference antics.
Next: No. 2