While we are a month away from the upcoming NBA season, analysts have already begun determining the frontrunners for the league’s MVP race. LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook lead the odds, and for good reason. Also in the mix are the talented trio of Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis. It is evident, however, that many top talents are being discredited due to slight flaws in their game. Here are four sensational players who are being overlooked.
Damian Lillard
Lillard is a clear fan favorite, a supreme but highly underrated talent. He has the likeable mentality of an underdog, consistently striving off of the notion that others undervalue him. This was demonstrated when the league didn’t include him in the 2016 All-Star Game and he responded by putting up a dominant 28 points per game (PPG) after the All-Star break and by making the all-NBA Second Team over many Western All-Stars. This was also demonstrated when star LaMarcus Aldridge left Damian Lillard and the failed Trailblazers bench for the Spurs, and Lillard responded by still making the playoffs and—like Aldridge’s team—getting eliminated in the second round. Now, we can only dream of what’s in store for the Trailblazers and Lillard next season. With a better bench after free agency and with this year’s Most Improved Player C.J. McCollum to start and score voluminously alongside Lillard, the team is poised for success. If Lillard can channel his motivation and his uplifting story into upping his PPG by three or four and having more buzzer-beating and clutch moments, he should be a clear contender for the MVP.
James Harden
After having to carry a Houston Rockets team with huge Dwight Howard–related chemistry problems to a .500 win season and a disappointing playoff finish, scoring superstar James Harden returns with a grossly overpaid but nonetheless revamped supporting cast. His odds next year depend on whether he gets an improved version of this year. If he can replicate or increase his insane 29-points-per-game scoring, maintain his perfect games-played record, and focus on improving his abysmal defense during this offseason, he may have a chance—Harden is already a top-10 talent, known for being an entertainer and fan favorite. Harden proved this season that he can lead his team with stunning statistics, and if the Rockets can secure a top third or fourth seed with him in command, don’t be surprised to see Harden and his beard once again in MVP contention.
Kyrie Irving
Irving has been playing the last two seasons under the shadow of LeBron James, without whom many critics believe the Cavaliers wouldn’t have made it as a top-tier team in the east. However, Irving disproved all criticisms after playing beautifully in the NBA Finals alongside LeBron, and was easily the second-best player on the court at all times. His status as one of the league’s best finishers, shooters, and ball handlers is no longer contested, and his incredible resume at only the age of 24 shows that he is built to succeed the LeBron era in Cleveland. After also proving his worth as a starter on the gold-medal-garnering U.S. Men’s Basketball team, there is every reason to believe that Irving will come back to the next NBA season with his eye on the prize. Honestly, it will just take him upping his PPG and establishing himself as the Cavaliers’ best regular season scoring option, leading his team to five to 10 more regular-season wins, and making consistent crossovers and buzzer-beating plays, to contend for the MVP.
Paul George
After the shrewd offseason moves orchestrated by the Indiana Pacers, they will emerge as a rising power in the Eastern Conference with superstar Paul George in the lead. George is already the second-best player in the East; he is among the top 10 offensive players in the league right now as well as one of the most talented perimeter defenders. Doubters seem to have forgotten what George has gone through and underestimate what he is capable of. After overcoming an injury that would have left most players unable to ever play competitively again, George proved that he was alive and well last year. In nearly upsetting the Raptors in the playoffs, he showed that he would stop at nothing to get to the next level. It is impossible to not respect his humility, hustle, and consistent effort, and his story and highlight reel will give him a charm similar to that of 2011 MVP Derrick Rose. George will have to lead the Pacers to the first- or second-best winning record in the Eastern Conference to win MVP, and will need to remain hawkish on defense and improve scoring figures in every statistical category on offense. This seems like too much to ask, but is within reach for the man who consistently demonstrates the ability to overcome such adversity.