Durrant, Anthony and Rose face struggle to topple MVP James
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With the new NBA season just around the corner, there has been much debate over the outcome of the league’s next MVP.
It’s no surprise to see LeBron James favourite with Ladbrokes at 6/4 given his mesmerising performances over the past five years.
The Miami Heat star has been awarded MVP in four of the past five seasons, with only Derrick Rose interrupting his dominance in 2011.
Even on that occasion James was voted second, and after leading Miami Heat last season to a 66-16 regular-season record en route to a second straight title, it’s going to take something special to deny him a fifth accolade.
Last season King James averaged his highest RPG in a regular-season and a new APG best for Miami.
There are few who can even begin to try and end LeBron’s dominance, but Kevin Durrant is certainly one of those.
The Oklahoma City Thunder forward has been the proverbial bridesmaid in the MVP stakes, coming second to James in three of the past four years.
While James has been the league’s dominant force in recent seasons, some may see Durrant at 7/2 a wiser investment, considering that the OKC man averaged 1.3 PPG more than James last season.
However, he will be starting the campaign without team-mate Russell Westbrook. This may be cause for some to shy away from backing Durrant, but should the 25-year-old revel in shouldering the extra responsibility for the Thunder, he could make that step up and genuinely challenge James for that coveted MVP award.
Carmelo Anthony is 8/1 to be named the game’s most important player, having seen his stats in every area, barring assists, increase last term.
The New York Knicks man lead his team to a first divisional title in 19 years last season, before their play-off dreams were ended by the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
Another likely contender is Rose, whose price at 10/1 could prove appealing as the Chicago Bulls star makes his long-awaited return from injury.
The 2011 MVP is rumoured to have increased his leap by five inches and worked on his mid-game during his recovery period, and given his importance to the Bulls, he may be able to beat James to the award again.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
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