NBA MVP Ladder 1.0: Steph Curry is back to setting the league on fire again

3. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat

The Miami Heat is another team that has been surprising to start the season and while the majority of the media has highlighted the integration of Kyle Lowry as one of the biggest factors for the team’s success, Jimmy Butler has been outstanding for the team.

Lowry has clearly opened up Jimmy on the offensive end and it has paid off. Through the first few weeks of the season, Jimmy is averaging 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists per game on 50 percent shooting from the field. He also has a 30.20 Player Efficiency Rating thus far.

When he’s on top of his game, the Heat are practically unbeatable – with Lowry, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo playing at the level in which they are. If he continues to play at this level and the Heat continues to win at this pace, he will be an MVP candidate.