May 1, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32, left) during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
In our first edition of our 2015-16 NBA MVP Rankings, we take a look at some early favorites to win the award
It’s late October, which means a new NBA season is on the brink of starting with numerous storylines, expectations and returns. It also means that people, like me, will write prediction articles giving you, the reader, our first edition of this year’s NBA MVP Power Rankings.
Before I go any further, the MVP criteria for this article is mainly based on expected team success. So, therefore, don’t be surprised if your favorite star doesn’t make the list. Winners have to be rewarded a prestigious award such as MVP.
The best player on one the best regular-season teams will typically win the award, always remember that.
Excluding the lockout shortened seasons (1998-99 and 2011-12), the least amount of wins accumulated by an NBA MVP was 54, by Steve Nash during the 2005-06 season with the Phoenix Suns. The most is 72 held by Michael Jordan during his 1995-96 season with the Chicago Bulls.
Also, players who play in the Western Conference are more likely to win the award as only three players from the East have been MVP since 2000 – Allen Iverson (’01), LeBron James (’09, ’10’, ’12 and ’13) and Derrick Rose (’11). With that being said, it’s virtually impossible for anyone else in the East to win MVP unless you’re No. 23 in “The Land.”
I’ve given you stats and facts, now it’s time to checkout our first MVP Rankings of the 2015-16 campaign.
Next: No. 8