Last week we saw LeBron drain a half-court shot and giggle with his teammates on the sideline. The week before, we saw Anthony “The Brow” Davis two hand slam from near the free throw line. Now that the preseason is done, and we begin real basketball, who will take the trophy for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player?
Latest Odds (Oct. 16):
- LeBron James+333
- Anthony Davis+450
- Giannis Antetokounmpo+500
- James Harden+650
- Kawhi Leonard+950
- Kevin Durant+1000
- Stephen Curry+1200
- Joel Embiid+1500
- Kyrie Irving+1500
- Russell Westbrook+1600
- Ben Simmons+2500
- Donovan Mitchell+2500
- Damian Lillard+3500
- Karl-Anthony Towns+6000
- Victor Oladipo+5000
- John Wall+7500
- DeMar DeRozan+8000
Let’s start in the East where it is anyone’s opportunity to be crowned the new “King of the East”. With the departure of the only player that mattered in the conference, there is bound to be someone take over the spotlight.
Safe Pick: Giannis Antetoko… THE GREEK FREAK – 5/1
This guy is actually a freak. The average adult male hand is 7.4”. Gianni’s hand measures in at 12”, nearly 3” longer than LeBron’s. That, along with his 7’3” wingspan, makes it extremely easy for The Greek Freak to get freaky naughty around the basket. One moment he is stealing the ball at half court. The next, he is dunking all over the opposing teams faces. He was high on the MVP leaderboard until the Bucks began losing. If he can build on last year’s stats: 26.9PTS 10RB 4.8AST and lead the Bucks to 50+ wins, he would definitely earn the crown.
Will He Buy-in? Pick: Kawhi Leonard 9.5/1
With an entire year to rest and a team of fresh faces he should avoid passing too, Kawhi is poised to have a breakout year offensively. He also brings lock-down defense, but we all know defense doesn’t get you things in the NBA. Leonard will have to carry the Raptors, if he can keep them in the Eastern Conference hunt, he could set himself up for the award.
Value Pick: Joel Embiid a.k.a THE PROCESS – 15/1
The Process is healthy and out for blood. If he can manage to play significant minutes and 70+ games, we could see HUGE things from the big man. I don’t think there is anyone in the East that can guard him. Starting the season healthy, he could easily put up 28+PTS 12+RBS per game, which would quickly lower this 15/1 value.
The Western Conference, with the additions of LeBron, D-Rose and previously KD, now has a piece of the last 17 MVP awards. You have to go back to 2000-2001 Allen Iverson to find an MVP that is not currently playing in the Western Conference or retired: Kobe, Duncan, Nash, & Garnett – All won on Western Conference Teams.
Safe Pick: Lebron James – 3/1
No need to tell you why he is a safe pick. 2017-2018 Stats: 27.5PTS 8.6RB 9.1AST If you aren’t looking to gamble, LBJ is the safest pick. He will always be a Top 3 candidate for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.
Can He Stay Healthy? Pick: Anthony Davis – THE BROW – 4.5/1
Statistics matter. No one in the league comes close to The Brow when he is healthy. Last Season: 28.1PTS 11.1RB 2.3AST. Those numbers were with Boogie Cousins, who took 18 shots/gm and nabbed 12 boards/gm. This future is not only betting on The Brow to outperform last year’s numbers but for him to stay healthy. I tend to believe the only thing that would keep the MVP trophy out of AD’s hands is his health.
Value Pick: Russell Westbrook – BRODIE – 16/1
2017 MVP averaging a Triple Double in 2018 – 25.4PTS 10.1RB 10.3AST. +1600 is a great value here. If Brodie and PG can keep the Thunder relevant in the West, he could easily put up another triple double season to take home the MVP for the second time.
Tons of potential breakout players this season. I will sprinkle my money on some Favs and some long shots. Great value on Brodie and The Process, def take a small chance on both.
2019 NBA’s Most Valuable Player Pick: Anthony Davis 4.5/1
LOOK FOR THE BROW TO STAY HEALTHY AND DOMINATE.
FEAR THE BROW. GET THAT MONEY.
