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

NBA Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant (Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant (Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kevin Durant
Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

2. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets may not be playing at the level that many expected to be playing at a few weeks ago, but Kevin Durant is reminding the rest of the league that he’s still absurdly good and as long as he’s healthy, the Nets are going to be a problem – regardless of how James Harden looks or if Kyrie Irving even plays this season.

Durant is averaging 28 points, nine rebounds, and five assists per game on 59 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. He has gotten little help from Harden to start the year and Kyrie is still sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols, but the Nets are still 6-3 on the season.

We should expect Durant to be near the top of the MVP Ladder for much of the season and there’s probably a good chance he wins the award.