NBA MVP Ladder

 

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry has been a highlight reel this year and an absolute nightmare for opposing point guards. He scored 38 points twice this week against Denver and Detroit but unfortunately both were in losing efforts. He has 17 games this season with 30+ points and is leading the league in points per game, averaging 29.9 on 50% shooting. Last years MVP looks even better than last year and as long as he can stay healthy it doesn't look like any is gonna stop him from hoisting another MVP trophy come May.

2. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

"The Claw" as some people would like to call him has taken his game to another level. We knew he was a great defender when he came to the league. Coming in to his rookie year he didn't have much of a jump shot but credit to his work ethic and the great coaching staff of the Spurs, he now has a lethal jump shot leading the league in 3 point percentage shooting 48.3%. With the evolution of his offensive game and the ability to shut down an opposing teams best player, he has become one of, if not the best two player in the game today.

3.Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

This has been another typical Lebron James season.What more can you say about arguably the best player in the game.  Averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists we've come accustomed to his greatness. With Kyrie back in the fold they look to geared up for a deep playoff run and with the king at the top of his game there's nobody in the east that can stop them from making back to back appearance's in the finals.

4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant is averaging 26.5 points, 7.7 reb and 4.4 assists. Besides missing a few games earlier in the month with a toe injury he has been able to stay healthy and get back to his MVP form. He's fallen under the radar in a conference with the Warriors and Spurs, but it is a joy to have him back at his elite level.

5. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

The fiery competitiveness that we all know and love from Westbrook can sometimes get a little out of hand but he plays so hard and you never want to tell a player like him to tune it down, but would like him to be a little smarter. After 2 quick technicals he only saw 14 minutes, but what you love about him so much is that it he doesn't let it affect him as we saw on display Friday night when it only took him 3 quarters to record his 4th triple double of the season.

6. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls

Jimmy Butler has put the team on his back lately. carrying the load for the team that is currently 3rd in the eastern conference. He's been the iron man on this team, he is the only Bulls player to play and start every game this season. He's been on fire this past month posting numbers of 28 6 and 6 in the month of January.

7. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

The evolution of Draymond Green has been fun to watch. The former second round pick has burst on to the scene this year and has been the best player on the Warriors not named Steph Curry. His value to this team became evident when he took a day off and rested against the Denver Nuggets resulting in there 3rd loss of the season at the time. This level of production out a power forward is something we don't often see and it has been special to watch.

8. James Harden, Houston Rockets

The team that was 2nd in the western conference last year and in the western conference finals got off to a rough start. They're nowhere near what they were last year but they're making strides and that is because of the play of James Harden. While he's been balling all year, questions of his leadership arose when the team started off bad. Before a bad lost to Cleavland at home they went on a five game win streak due to in large part James Hardens 27 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists during the streak.

9. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Chris Paul has been steadying the ship while Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan have been out dealing with injuries. With a starting front court of Paul Pierce, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Cole Aldrich, they have won 9 of their last 10 games. Chris Paul has stepped his game up averaging 20 points and almost 13 assist in the month of January.

10. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Paul George has been one of the best stories in NBA this year. Coming off the terrible leg injury 2 summers ago. He obviously didn't look like himself when he decided to come back at the end of last season, but with those few games and a  full off season to get his legs under him, he is back to playing the elite level of basketball we are used to and looks even better posting career highs in points (24) and rebounds (7.5)