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2018 NBA mid-season awards: Picking the league’s early standouts

By Jacob Doole

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 29: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics tries to block LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 29, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 124-118. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 29: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics tries to block LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 29, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 124-118. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 21: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to make a play while playing the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena on December 21, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 115-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 21: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to make a play while playing the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena on December 21, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 115-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Season stats: 27.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.1 blocks

They say Father Time will always be undefeated, but someone forgot to tell LeBron James. At 33 years old and in his 15th season in the league, he’s putting together the best all-around season of his career.

He’s currently ranked in the top 30 in the league for all five major statistics, and is inside the top 15 for points (third), assists (fourth) and steals (13th). Two of the big criticisms of recent years have also been quieted; he’s added a reliable 3-point stroke (38.7 per cent on 4.9 attempts per game) and improved his free throw shooting (77.8 per cent).

The free throw shooting is nice, but the 3-point shooting makes him virtually unstoppable with ball in hand.

What makes his production even more impressive is the adversity it has come from. With Kyrie Irving gone and Isaiah Thomas injured, LeBron kept the Cavaliers afloat early and filled every hole across the roster.

Cleveland started the season 5-7; on the back of LeBron’s outstanding play, they’re now 26-15 and still in the hunt for the first seed. He’s been the point guard, center and everything in between throughout the first half of the season, and he hasn’t missed a single contest despite playing 36.8 minutes per game.

Without a clear-cut favourite, and with Cleveland sitting third in the East despite their adversity, LeBron has to be the mid-season MVP.

Runner up: James Harden, Houston Rockets

Season stats: 32.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.5 blocks

After missing the past five games through injury and being ruled out for the immediate future, James Harden may struggle to compete for MVP honours at the end of the season. But his early form is more than enough to keep him in the running here.

He’s scored over 40 points six times this season, while seamlessly integrating Chris Paul into the offense. His playmaking has been as good as ever, and his defense has shown signs of life with some better help around him.

Must Read: NBA: Biggest storyline for each team heading into the second half of 2017-18

It’s a shame he’s hurt, because he was well on his way to competing for a first MVP crown. Get well soon, James!

Next three: Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors; Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics; DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

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