May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) faces against Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) in the first quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
1. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
It wasn’t that long ago when all people said Blake Griffin could do was dunk and live off of his athleticism. Years later he’s developed skill to go with his talent and as he enters his sixth season in the NBA, he’s a legitimate MVP candidate.
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One of the reasons is because the Clippers roster looks like something a kid would assemble on NBA 2K16. With the additions of Paul Pierce, Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson to the bench along with the core of Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford, the talent is there.
The Clippers are a sleeper team to win at least 60 games in the competitive West, but don’t be surprised if such a thing happens if everything falls together. Griffin is the Clippers No. 1 option after averaging 21.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per night a year ago. If he can average similar numbers this season with maybe an increase in points and rebounds, along with his team having a spectacular season, then there’s no reason why he can’t win the NBA MVP.